Bibras Natkho Reflects on Future, National Team Role
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Bibras Natkho discussed Israel's tactical issues after a loss to Ireland.
- He indicated the national team coach left the door open for his return.
- Family reasons currently prevent Natkho from living in Israel.
- He abandoned plans for a role at Partizan Belgrade due to club changes.
- Natkho stressed the need for physicality in the upcoming match against Ireland.
Ahead of Israel's Nations League match against Ireland on Sunday, former national team captain Bibras Natkho spoke about the team's performance and his own future. Natkho expressed disappointment with the team's recent 3-0 loss to Ireland, attributing it to a loss of concentration and tactical discipline, particularly against more physical opponents. "When players want too much and play tactically incorrectly, this is what happens," he stated.
Regarding a potential return to the national team, Natkho revealed that the current coach, referred to as Shino, contacted him upon his retirement. "Shino called me the evening I retired and said he really appreciates and loves me, and the door is open for me the day I want to return," Natkho said. He added that while family reasons currently prevent him from living in Israel, he would be happy to rejoin the team if a suitable position arose and he could contribute. "Always I will try to help the national team in anything I can, if we find the right position, why not?"
Natkho also discussed his post-playing career plans in Serbia. He had intended to work at Partizan Belgrade immediately after retiring, eventually becoming a sports director. However, he explained that changes in decision-makers at the club towards the end of the season led him to believe he would not have sufficient authority. "Things changed towards the end of the season, the decision-makers changed, and I didn't think I would get enough authority and power to express my opinion," he explained.
Looking ahead to the match against Ireland, Natkho emphasized the need for physicality and maximum effort, suggesting Israel should play to its own strengths rather than emulate Ireland's style. "We need to be physical with them and give 150 percent, we cannot play their football, but our football, to fight," he said. He also noted that while he always believes in achieving the impossible, the current gap between Israel and stronger teams like Kosovo is significant, though he felt the match against Kosovo was evenly matched.
