Beitar Jerusalem Faces Squad Competition Amidst Winning Streak

Despite a shaky start to the season with two painful losses, Beitar Jerusalem has found its footing, securing three consecutive victories. Their latest win, a 1-2 triumph over Hapoel Haifa, brings their total points to 9 out of a possible 15. The team is now heading into a lengthy break, after which they will face Hapoel Ramat Gan on October 11th, followed by a highly anticipated match against Maccabi Tel Aviv at Teddy Stadium.

However, this positive momentum is accompanied by a significant professional challenge for coach Almog Cohen. The recent additions of Alexis Serna and Ori Azoulay, along with the expected returns of Nana Antwi and Jordan Cohen, have intensified competition for roster spots. Even Adi Yona, who has recovered from injury, may find himself on the bench initially due to Serna's signing.

According to Sport Channel, midfielder Ziv Ben Shimol has been directly impacted by the increased squad depth. Ben Shimol, who had a breakout season last year, including a winning goal against his boyhood club Maccabi Haifa, has seen his playing time drastically reduced, featuring only nine league minutes in the last three games. Despite his strong connection to the club and its fans, Ben Shimol recognizes the need for regular play at his age. If his role doesn't improve by the January transfer window, he may consider a loan move.

Another player facing uncertainty is Nevo Shadu, who was left out of the squad for the Hapoel Haifa match in favor of Timothy Muzie. Beitar Jerusalem management views this intense competition positively, stating that last season's lack of squad depth came at a heavy price. They believe a strong club requires fierce competition for starting positions and a place within the 20-player roster.