Beitar Jerusalem Coach Stands Firm Amidst Yarden Shua 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 Yarden 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 clarified that all his decisions are professional and that Shua will eventually return to the starting lineup, though it is unlikely to happen in 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 the surrounding gossip. Shua is expected to join the senior national team after the game, and the coaching staff hopes he will regain his form after the international break.

Cohen confirmed that Shua will not start against Hapoel Haifa, and the lineup that played against Maccabi Petah Tikva three days prior is expected to continue. Nana Antwi is not yet fully fit and will not be dressed for the match, meaning new signing Alexis Serna might make his debut. Ravid Aberjil, who refused to leave despite being offered a free release, is also not in the club's immediate plans.

"We haven't achieved anything yet, we are still carrying the burden of points from the beginning of the season, and we don't have the luxury of losing more points to go into the break with a different atmosphere," a club source said. The projected starting lineup includes Miguel Silva, Roey Eliyemelech, Luka Gadriani, Brian Carby, Timothy Musi, Boris Ino, Daniel Vorko, Tomer Yosefi, Eugene Ansah, Omer Atzili, and Sean Weissman.