Israel Soccer Coach Warns Players Against Irish Tactics and Past National Team Failures

Israel national soccer team coach Ran Ben Shimon is preparing his squad for an upcoming match against Ireland, aiming to make minimal changes to the lineup that lost 3-1 to Austria. Ben Shimon plans to introduce at most two alterations to the starting eleven, one of which is forced due to the red card received by Said Abu Farhi in the previous game. With Tair Baribo nursing a groin issue, Dor Turgeman is expected to start as the forward.

Gabi Kankovsky, who recently returned from his brother's wedding, is slated to replace Dor Peretz in the midfield, a move intended to bolster ball possession and movement. Ben Shimon is aware that Ireland will likely employ a three-defender system and anticipates a flexible formation for Israel, potentially shifting to a four-defender setup with Anan Khalaili operating on the right flank.

Ben Shimon and his staff have analyzed Ireland's recent 1-0 victory over Kosovo, with assistant Freddy David providing a detailed report on both Ireland and Kosovo. The coach emphasized to his players that unlike Austria's possession-based game, Ireland relies on long balls, physical play, and speed.

Addressing concerns about the team's tendency to falter in critical moments, Ben Shimon urged his players not to be influenced by external comparisons to past Israeli national teams. "Only you will determine the identity of this team," he stated. "We need to improve tactically, not mentally, because mentally you are teaching us how to behave. The tactical obligation is ours, to make the right decisions, improve our game intelligence, and find good solutions."

He further cautioned the team against falling for provocations and unnecessary mistakes, citing Abu Farhi's red card as an example. "Ireland will come with protests and provocations, and if we fall into the hands of other teams again, we will have learned nothing. We need to think football and beat them with football."

The projected starting lineup includes Daniel Peretz in goal, a defense of Guy Mzerahi, Eidan Nahmias, Nikita Stoyanov, and Roy Revivo. The midfield will feature Eliel Peretz and Gabi Kankovsky, with Manor Solomon, Oscar Gloukh, Anan Khalaili, and Dor Turgeman forming the attack.