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 is reportedly unfazed by the controversy, with sources stating, "They won't 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 it's unlikely to be for the upcoming game.

The club believes there are interested parties attempting to disrupt the team's momentum, which has improved in recent matches. They are focusing on their objectives rather than external 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.

With Shua not expected to start, the lineup that played against Maccabi Petah Tikva three days prior is anticipated to remain unchanged. Nana Owusu is not yet fully fit for sprints and will not be dressed for the match. Consequently, new signing Alexis Serna might make his debut.

Another player, Ravid Abargil, who refused to leave despite being offered a free release, is also not in the team's plans. "We haven't achieved anything yet, we're still carrying the burden of points from the start of the season, and we don't have the privilege of losing more points before the break," a club source stated.

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