Eyal Berkovich Declines Coaching Small Clubs, Prefers National Team Role

Former Israeli football player and current commentator Eyal Berkovich stated he is not suited to coach small clubs, but would be interested in managing the national team. Berkovich, who has been suggested as a candidate for the national team coach position amid another disappointing campaign, explained his reluctance to pursue a traditional coaching path in Israel. He told interviewer Erel Segal on 103FM that while polls consistently show public support for him coaching the national team, the actual appointments go to others. Berkovich elaborated that the Israeli system typically requires coaches to start with youth teams and gradually work their way up, citing Barak Bakhar's career progression. However, Berkovich finds coaching smaller clubs, with limited crowds and the demanding daily grind, unappealing. He described managing a club as a "very tedious" job requiring constant presence, unlike the role of a national team coach. Berkovich believes coaching the national team is simpler, involving selecting the best squad, starting lineup, and substitutions, along with managing player relations and team dynamics, which he feels he can handle. He contrasted this with the all-consuming nature of club coaching, which occupies weekends and holidays.