Israel Coach Ben Shimon Backs Hlailei to Lead Team to Euros

Israel national football team coach Ran Ben Shimon expressed confidence in young player Anan Khalaili, stating he is 'more than ready to lead us to the Euros.' Ben Shimon emphasized that while Khalaili is a significant talent, the team's success in qualifying for Euro 2028 depends on the collective effort of all 24 squad members.

Speaking ahead of Israel's UEFA Nations League opener against Austria, Ben Shimon discussed the team's strategy to improve its defensive record. 'We have built a plan over the last six months to reduce the number of goals we concede,' he said, stressing the importance of becoming a team that is difficult to score against.

Ben Shimon also addressed the team's challenges with player availability, particularly in defense, stating that the coaching staff remains flexible and focuses on finding solutions rather than complaining. He highlighted the need for a strong team dynamic, mentioning other key players like Manor Solomon and Oscar Gloukh, but reiterated that individual brilliance alone is insufficient for success.

Regarding Khalaili's recent rise, Ben Shimon clarified that there has always been immense appreciation for the player, and his progress has earned him his current standing. He noted that Khalaili is expected to be a significant offensive contributor in the upcoming campaign.

Ben Shimon concluded by emphasizing his focus solely on the upcoming match against Austria, drawing a parallel to the Irish coach's comments. He stressed the importance of filtering out distractions and maintaining concentration on the immediate task at hand, a principle he expects from his players and adheres to himself.