Maccabi Jaffa Sacks Coach Itzik Baruch After Poor Start
Maccabi Jaffa has fired head coach Itzik Baruch following a dismal start to the National League season, becoming the third coach in the league to be dismissed this year. The club announced the decision early Wednesday morning, with assistant Dor Alof set to lead the team's training session later today.
Baruch's dismissal comes after Maccabi Jaffa secured only three points from their first seven matches, suffering six losses and a single win against Hapoel Afula. The team currently sits in 15th place, second to last in the league, just above Hapoel Acre. Notably, Maccabi Jaffa is scheduled to play a crucial relegation battle against Hapoel Acre on Thursday evening, making the timing of the coaching change surprising.
Last season, Maccabi Jaffa finished first in the relegation playoff. However, club chairman Eran Cohen opted for a significant squad overhaul, releasing star players and reducing the budget to focus on younger talent. This strategic shift has proven unsuccessful thus far, with the team struggling at the bottom of the league.
Baruch, 54, is considered a club legend for Maccabi Jaffa, having managed the team in multiple stints. He was instrumental in leading the club from Liga Alef to the National League during the 2021/22 season.
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