Israel Youth Soccer Coach Guy Luzon to Depart After Campaign
The Israeli U21 national soccer team secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Slovenia on Tuesday, with Niv Yehoshua scoring the winning goal in the 91st minute. This win solidified Israel's second-place position in their qualifying group, extending their lead over third-place Bosnia to three points.
In an interview, coach Guy Luzon described the match as a "do or die" moment, emphasizing that a draw would not have benefited either team. He highlighted the team's consistent display of skill, character, and teamwork throughout the campaign, noting their ability to maintain their identity even when trailing.
Looking ahead to qualification, Luzon stated that while the team is currently second, they remain in control of their destiny, dependent on their own performance. He acknowledged the strength of their main rival, the Netherlands, which has two games in hand, but expressed confidence in Israel's ability to reach the playoffs for the third time in history.
Luzon confirmed his intention to leave his position as coach of the youth team at the end of the current campaign, a decision he communicated at the start of the season regardless of the outcome. He reflected on his tenure, noting achievements such as reaching the European Championship twice and qualifying for the Olympics, and expressed a desire to lead the team to another European Championship.
Regarding his future, Luzon stated he is not focused on the next step, only on winning the upcoming matches and achieving qualification. He praised team captain Tai Abed as a leader and the "driving force" but reiterated that the team's strength lies in its collective spirit. He also commented on the talent of player Orian Goren, who plays for Barcelona, stating that Goren is in the national team based on merit and has significant potential for growth.
Luzon concluded by discussing his pre-game speeches, describing them as natural expressions of his feelings in the moment rather than something he draws inspiration for.
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