Eli Ohana Urges Beitar Jerusalem to Integrate or Release Star Player Yarden Shua

Former Israeli football star Eli Ohana has called on Beitar Jerusalem to either find a way to integrate star player Yarden Shua into the team's strategy or release him. Ohana's comments came after Beitar Jerusalem secured their second consecutive win, but the focus remained on Shua's limited playing time and perceived friction with coach Almog Cohen.

Ohana stated on "5 באוויר" (5 on Air) that it is natural for a player of Shua's caliber to be disappointed when not starting, as long as the player remains professional and doesn't disrupt the locker room. He acknowledged a lack of strong personal chemistry between Shua and Cohen, noting that the club has unsuccessfully sought to transfer Shua abroad for the past two years.

According to Ohana, Beitar's current tactical approach, which emphasizes high pressure and defensive support from wingers, is incompatible with playing both Shua and Yarin Atzili together. He suggested that Cohen needs to adapt his system, perhaps by playing a more withdrawn style, to accommodate Shua's strengths.

Ohana criticized Cohen's handling of Shua, particularly his decision to substitute the player in the 89th minute of a recent match against Sakhnin. "With all due respect to Almog Cohen, you cannot behave like that towards a star," Ohana said, adding that it would have been better not to play him at all than to bring him on for just one minute. He concluded by emphasizing that a coach's role includes managing the locker room and that Cohen must find a way to integrate Shua or let him go.