Maccabi Haifa Coach Sets Defensive Improvement as Priority During Break

Maccabi Haifa coach Barak Bakhar and his staff will focus on improving the team's defense during the international break. The team has secured three consecutive wins and one loss, placing them second in the league standings, only behind league leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv in goals scored. New summer signings like Bruninho, Pedro Brazão, and Andrija Novakovich have contributed to the offense, but the defense has been a concern, conceding seven goals in five matches and keeping only one clean sheet.

Bakhar and his team acknowledge the defensive shortcomings and plan to address them during the break. They emphasize that the focus is not solely on the backline but on the entire team's defensive structure, starting from the forwards and midfielders. This task will be challenging as several key midfielders, including Ali Mohamed, Yarin Levi, Eitan Azulai, and Navot Ratner, are away with their national teams. Newcomers like Tjaronn Chery and Liel Abada, who joined this summer, are still adapting professionally but are expected to bolster the defense in the long run.

Last season, Maccabi Haifa conceded 47 goals, the highest among the top teams, prompting a decision to overhaul the defense this season. While current statistics are similar to last year's early stages, the club is hopeful for significant improvement as the season progresses. The team will resume league play against Hapoel Jerusalem.