Maccabi Haifa Focuses on Defense During International Break

Maccabi Haifa has entered a break in the league schedule following a mixed start to the season, with three wins and one loss to league leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv. The team currently sits second in the standings, trailing only Maccabi Tel Aviv in goals scored, a testament to the successful summer signings of Bruninho, Pedro Brazão, and Andrija Novakovich. However, the team's defense requires significant improvement, as they rank in the middle of the league for goals conceded, having let in seven goals in five matches and keeping only one clean sheet.

Head coach Barak Bakhar and his staff recognize these defensive shortcomings. During the upcoming international break, the team will concentrate on strengthening their defensive play. Bakhar emphasized that the focus is not solely on the backline but on the entire team's defensive structure, starting from the forwards and midfielders.

This defensive training presents a challenge, as many key midfielders, including Ali Mohamed, Liel Abada, Eitan Azulai, and Nivat Ratner, are away with their national teams. Other players will also return close to the next match against Hapoel Jerusalem, potentially limiting preparation time. Newcomers Nigel Luvann and Tsunami, who joined this summer, are still adapting professionally, but the club remains patient, expecting them to bolster the defense in the long run.

Last season, Maccabi Haifa conceded 47 goals, the highest among the top teams, prompting a planned overhaul of the defense this season. While current statistics are similar to last year's early stages, the club is hopeful for improvement as the season progresses.