Beitar Jerusalem Coach Stands Firm Amidst Player Controversy

Beitar Jerusalem coach Almog Cohen has decided to maintain the team's starting lineup for Saturday's match against Hapoel Haifa, despite external "noise" surrounding player Jordan Shua. The club insists that internal matters will not be disrupted, with a spokesperson stating, "They will not succeed in dismantling our locker room." Cohen has made it clear that all his decisions are professional and that Shua will eventually return to the starting lineup, though not for the upcoming game.

The club believes that certain parties with vested interests are attempting to harm the team's momentum, which has improved in recent matches. They are focusing on their objectives rather than what they term "gossip."

Shua is expected to join the senior national team after the match, and the coaching staff hopes he will regain his form during the international break. The starting eleven that played against Maccabi Petah Tikva three days prior is expected to remain unchanged against Hapoel Haifa.

Foreign player Nana Owusu is not yet fully fit, particularly struggling with sprints, and will not be in the squad. This opens the door for recent signing Alexis Serrano to potentially make his debut. Another player, Ravid Abargil, who refused to leave despite being offered a free release, is also not in the coach's immediate plans.

"We haven't achieved anything yet; we are still carrying the burden of points from the beginning of the season and cannot afford to lose more points before the break," a club source commented, emphasizing the need to enter the break with a positive atmosphere.

The projected starting lineup is: Miguel Silva; Roy Eliyahu, Luka Gadriani, Brian Carby, Timothy Musi; Boris Ino, Daniel Varko; Tomer Yossefi, Eugene Ansah, Omer Atzili; and Sean Weissman.