Yossi Benayoun Weighs Coaching Offers Amidst International Break

Former Israeli football star Yossi Benayoun, who retired from playing two and a half years ago, is considering his next career move. Despite having offers to continue playing until age 41, Benayoun chose to transition into management, serving as professional manager for Beitar Jerusalem and later the Israeli national team. He expressed regret that the October 7th attacks and subsequent war disrupted Israel's Euro 2024 qualification campaign, forcing them to play home games abroad with significantly reduced crowds, ultimately leading to a playoff loss.

After a two-year hiatus focused on family and coaching certifications, including obtaining a UEFA Pro license, Benayoun is now fielding numerous offers from Israeli clubs interested in him as a professional manager. However, he acknowledges the difficulty of securing such a role abroad without prior international experience, leading him to consider youth coaching or assistant coaching positions internationally. He stated he would only accept a professional manager role in Israel due to his established reputation there.

Benayoun also reflected on his playing career, revealing his move to West Ham was unexpected. He had been close to signing with a major Spanish club and was awaiting a foreign passport, but a last-minute offer from West Ham, whom he met and was impressed by, changed his plans. He also disclosed a near-return to Liverpool after his stint at Chelsea, which was scuppered by the club's late signing of Craig Bellamy, prompting him to join Arsenal instead.