Former Coach Slams National Team Manager After Humiliating Loss

Former Israeli national football team coach Shlomo Sharaf has called for the immediate resignation of current manager Ran Ben Shimon, following what he described as the most "humiliating and disgraceful" match in Israeli football history. Sharaf, a legendary figure in Israeli coaching, stated that Ben Shimon has failed on all fronts, weakening the team through poor substitutions and incorrect lineups, and ultimately dismantling a talented generation of players.

Sharaf criticized Ben Shimon's past coaching record, citing failures with major Israeli clubs like Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Beitar Jerusalem, as well as his inability to succeed with the Cypriot national team. He questioned the decision to appoint Ben Shimon in the first place, suggesting the role was too big for him.

"Ran Ben Shimon must go home immediately," Sharaf declared. "He needs to resign and understand that he has failed greatly. I see his body language during the game. He is not in the event. Apparently, it is too big for him. His decisions are bad, his lineups are incorrect, and his game management is poor."

Sharaf also questioned specific player selections and omissions, lamenting the exclusion of Dor Peretz, whom he considers the best player in Israeli football, and questioning the inclusion of players like Yarden Shua and Eli Dasa who are not playing regularly for their clubs. He also criticized the team's management, likening it to a "summer camp" due to players being invited despite personal commitments or injuries.

"This is a sporting night that disgraced an entire nation," Sharaf lamented, emphasizing the national honor at stake in the match against perceived enemies. He expressed deep sadness and disappointment, urging Ben Shimon to leave before the next game and suggesting immediate replacements like Boni Ginzburg and Ofir Haim be considered.