Israel Football Coach Ran Ben Shimon to Keep Job Despite Losses

Despite a recent heavy 3-0 defeat to Ireland, Israel national football team coach Ran Ben Shimon will not be fired, according to Football Association Chairman Shino Zuarz. Zuarz spoke with Ben Shimon after the loss to understand what happened and the team's future direction. Similar discussions occurred throughout the previous campaign, with Zuarz also engaging with players to gauge their perspective.

Sources within the association indicated that the current situation requires drawing conclusions rather than focusing on immediate, unhelpful actions. Consequently, Ben Shimon's future is not in question, and even a loss to Kosovo is unlikely to change this stance. Zuarz and his deputy, Moran Meiri, have internally stated that no event has yet occurred to warrant breaking Ben Shimon's contract, which extends through the Euro 2028 qualifiers.

The financial implications of terminating Ben Shimon's contract, which is worth over 1.5 million shekels gross annually, are significant. With the national team unable to play in Israel for three years due to security concerns, the association is avoiding costly financial risks or changes. A qualification for a tournament would automatically extend his contract.

Ben Shimon is reportedly taking the losses hard but has maintained a measured approach, analyzing the games with players individually and collectively. Players have expressed a sense of unity, emphasizing mutual dependence despite the recent failures against Austria and Ireland. They are reportedly avoiding the past practice of players criticizing coaches.

Crucially, Ben Shimon appears to retain the support of the locker room. The association's stance is that if he were to lose the players' confidence, their approach might change. However, as long as the team remains cohesive, there is no intention to dismiss him. Key players like Eli Dasa, Dor Peretz, and Manor Solomon are reportedly helping to maintain team morale, even though results have not improved.

Ben Shimon has urged his players to focus on the upcoming match against Kosovo, stressing the importance of a win. While he aims to project an image of continued stability, the team faces challenges in qualifying for Euro 2028, potentially needing a favorable draw in the December qualifiers. The upcoming rematch against Ireland in Serbia presents an opportunity to mitigate the current crisis.