Israel National Football Team Adopts Flexible Rooming Policy

The Israel national football team is changing its long-standing policy of requiring players to share rooms. Under new coach Ran Ben Shimon, the team will allow players to have individual rooms if justified, a departure from the previous practice under Alon Hazan and Yossi Benayoun. This change acknowledges that different players have varying recovery needs, especially those traveling from overseas and dealing with jet lag.

Ben Shimon's decision is reflected in his recent squad selection of 27 players, an odd number ensuring at least one player will require a single room. The coach has communicated to team manager Roei Rinshreiber and the physiological staff the importance of accommodating individual player needs, including requests for private rooms when circumstances permit. The ultimate goal is to ensure players arrive at matches in optimal condition.

This new approach contrasts with the controversy surrounding Eran Zahavi in September 2022, when his request for a private room led to public and professional debate, his temporary exclusion from the team, and eventual return after a compromise.

In related news, Charlotte FC requested that national team forward Idan Toklomati be excused from the upcoming match in Austria to play for his club. However, Toklomati informed his MLS team that he wishes to represent Israel, emphasizing the importance of joining the national team from the outset, regardless of his starting position.

Toklomati, who has scored nine goals this season, is currently in good form, as are fellow potential forwards Tai Baribo and Dor Turgeman. All three are expected to arrive in Austria only a day before the Nations League opener. Consequently, it is anticipated that Sayed Abu Farhi, who is not fasting and will arrive earlier, will start in the forward position.