Jerusalem FC Captain Yarden Shua Benched Amidst Growing Tensions

Despite a convincing win by Beitar Jerusalem against Maccabi Petah Tikva on Tuesday, tensions are brewing within the club, primarily concerning captain Yarden Shua. Shua, a key player, has found himself on the bench for recent matches, a situation attributed by coach Almog Cohen to the player being overexerted while not fully fit. Cohen stated that Shua's return to peak form will be gradual.

Shua's dissatisfaction was evident when he shared, then deleted, an Instagram story featuring a fan's post criticizing the coach's "ego games" and demanding Shua start. Although Cohen does not use social media, the post was brought to his attention. The coach has previously emphasized that personal relationships among players are secondary to team performance and that his decisions are solely for the team's benefit.

Beitar Jerusalem reiterated that Shua will return to the starting lineup once he regains last year's form. Looking ahead to the match against Hapoel Haifa, Cohen is unlikely to alter the starting eleven, especially the forward line. If any changes are made, it is more probable that Jovanco Kalou would replace Eugene Ansah rather than Shua being reinstated to the starting lineup.