Former Star Eran Levi Questions Coach Barak Bakhar's Future at Maccabi Haifa

Despite Maccabi Haifa's strong start to the season, accumulating nine out of a possible twelve points in the first four league matches, a new controversy is brewing within the club. Former star player Eran Levi, speaking on the "Ha'Anak Ha'Yarok" podcast hosted by club legend Yaniv Katan, made sharp, unfiltered remarks about head coach Barak Bakhar's position and future.

"I say this with sadness, in my opinion, he has run his course and that's a problem," Levi stated. He elaborated that while Bakhar achieved significant success in the past, including league titles, his tenure has been different since his time with Red Star Belgrade. Levi drew a parallel to his own experience at Hapoel Haifa, suggesting, "There comes a moment when you've exhausted your potential. In my opinion, Barak has reached a point where he wants to, but cannot; he's simply not there."

As evidence of tension and burnout within the team, Levi pointed to player relations, referencing comments made by Dolev Haziza. "Look at Dolev Haziza, how he speaks. When a player reaches a point where he says 'I won't even see him on the street,' you agree something is happening here?" Levi questioned.

Furthermore, Levi raised doubts about the chemistry between Bakhar and player Lior Refaelov. He concluded by criticizing the team's stated ambitions and lowered expectations. "Whatever you want to say about Lior, but if you ask Barak Bakhar and Lior Refaelov what the goal is this season, and they say 'top playoff,' does that sound logical to you?" Levi's comments are resonating strongly with the club's fans, given Bakhar's status and the team's aspirations to contend for the championship.