Maccabi Tel Aviv Players Mourn Departure of Team Manager Yoav Ziv

Maccabi Tel Aviv's new team manager, Erez Ben Shemesh, arrived at the club's training facility in Kiryat Shalom for the first time on Tuesday morning. His arrival comes as the team grapples with the departure of long-time team manager Yoav Ziv, a move met with significant sadness by the players.

Players were informed of Ziv's impending departure during Monday's training session and expressed their sorrow, confirming the news with Ziv himself. Ben Shemesh, who has prior experience with the club in an operational role, is known to some of the players. However, the players' primary sentiment revolves around their strong connection to Ziv.

Describing Ziv as "one of us" and "a true friend," players conveyed their deep disappointment, stating that his departure is a "very depressing decision" that has been taken hard by everyone. They emphasized the strong bond they shared with him and anticipate difficulty in adjusting to his absence.

Despite efforts by Ziv to persuade the CEO, Jack Angellidis, to reconsider his position, and attempts by some players to intervene, the club's decision appears final. There is a possibility that Maccabi Tel Aviv may offer Ziv a different role within the club, though this has not yet been determined.