Former Football Star Calls Israeli Team's Start 'Tragic,' Demands World-Class Foreign Coach

Palestinian former football player Zahi Armeli described the Israeli national team's recent performance as a "tragic start" in all respects. Speaking on Radio Al-Shams, Armeli stated that immense pressure preceded the team's recent match against Ireland, with media focus on charged atmospheres and strict stances declared by Ireland. This, he explained, directly impacted player concentration, leading to a 3-0 loss.

Armeli emphasized that the situation and stances declared by the Irish team negatively affected the players and the team as a whole. "The team appeared without points, without performance, without a clear playing style, and even without enthusiasm to play," he said. He added that player morale was very low, with many not performing at their usual technical level despite the team possessing high-caliber players.

He argued that temporary fixes are insufficient and a "real revolution" in the technical staff's structure is needed after the current break to properly plan for Euro 2028. Armeli advocated against relying on local coaches, citing their susceptibility to negative influences and direct pressure from the local press, which affects their decisions.

Armeli concluded by stressing the necessity of hiring a highly accomplished foreign coach with extensive experience in European and global tournaments. Such a coach, he believes, would possess the vision to effectively utilize the team's current talent and prepare them optimally for future challenges.