Israel Soccer Coach Ran Ben Shimon Faces Sunday Deadline to Restore Team's Honor

Israeli national soccer team coach Ran Ben Shimon has until midnight on Sunday, following the match against Ireland, to restore the team's honor and the public's trust, or face potential dismissal. The article criticizes a "sporting collapse" in the recent game against Ireland, stating that while players can take responsibility, the ultimate accountability rests with the coach when the entire team fails to perform.

Ben Shimon, described as intelligent and charismatic, is urged to channel his abilities into coaching rather than offering "embarrassing explanations." The author notes that circumstances were favorable for the team in the recent match, with an opponent under significant pressure and facing internal issues. The expectation was for the coach to calm the players and provide correct instructions, which did not happen.

The article questions Ben Shimon's capability, referencing his past successes like winning a rare championship with Bnei Yehuda in 2012 and coaching the national team to a victory against Belgium and a draw against France. However, it also points to failures with larger clubs such as Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Beitar Jerusalem, suggesting his successes might have occurred only when expectations were low.

While acknowledging the team's defensive problems, the article emphasizes that the offense must also generate more and maintain direction even on a bad day. The author warns that promises of improved performance against Kosovo and in the return leg against Ireland have been noted and will not be forgotten. Ben Shimon is explicitly told he has until Sunday midnight to "put things right" or face "unpleasant things."