Israel Soccer Coach Apologizes for "Shameful" Loss to Ireland

Israel national soccer team coach Ran Ben Shimon expressed deep regret and shame following his team's "embarrassing" 3-0 loss to Ireland in the UEFA Nations League. The team conceded three goals in the first 24 minutes of the match, a performance Ben Shimon described as "shameful" and "terrible."

"I feel ashamed. I think first and foremost, an apology is due to everyone who sat at home and expected something from this team," Ben Shimon stated in a post-match press conference. He took full responsibility for the team's poor showing, admitting they were not adequately prepared. "We thought we prepared the team well, apparently not, we really didn't prepare the team well," he said, also apologizing to families who expected to see a fighting performance.

Ben Shimon acknowledged that criticism of the team and himself is justified. "Everything that will be written, said, is simply correct. We are at the lowest point, and it is a low point, and we will try to see how to rise," he commented. When asked about his future, he deflected, stating that decisions about his tenure would be made by those in charge, emphasizing his good relationship with them.

Despite the heavy defeat, Ben Shimon vowed to rally the team. "I am the source of energy for this team, that's how I see myself and that's what I'm going to do," he declared, promising a difficult night of self-reflection but also a determined effort to recover. "Tomorrow the sun will rise. We will stand the criticism, accept the criticism that is due to us, and move on." He stressed that the team must learn from the loss and find the energy to get back up, comparing defeat to losing a battle only if one doesn't rise from the floor.