Bibras Natkho Reflects on Future, National Team Prospects
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Bibras Natkho is open to a future role with the Israeli national team.
- He cited loss of concentration and tactical discipline for recent poor performance.
- Family reasons currently prevent him from returning to live in Israel.
- His initial post-retirement plans with Partizan Belgrade have changed.
- He stressed the need for physicality and fighting spirit against Ireland.
Former Israel national team captain Bibras Natkho has spoken about his future plans and the current state of the national team. In an interview with Sport 5, Natkho expressed disappointment with the team's performance, particularly following a recent 3-0 loss to Ireland in the Nations League. He attributed the poor showing to a loss of concentration and tactical discipline, stating, "When players want too much and play tactically incorrectly, this is what happens, especially against players who are more physical than us. It simply doesn't look good, unfortunately."
Natkho also addressed the possibility of returning to the national team in a future role. He revealed that the team's coach, Willi Ruttensteiner, had contacted him upon his retirement, leaving the door open for his return. While Natkho stated he is not currently planning to move back to Israel due to family reasons, he expressed willingness to help the national team if a suitable position arises. "If I were to return to Israel, I would be happy to be part of the Israel national team, who wouldn't want to be a part of it? I will always try to help the national team in anything I can, if we find the right position, why not?"
Regarding his post-playing career, Natkho, who is a Serbian citizen, had initially planned to work with Partizan Belgrade immediately after retiring, with aspirations of becoming a sports director. However, he indicated that circumstances changed towards the end of the season due to shifts in decision-makers at the club. "Things changed towards the end of the season, the decision-makers changed, and I didn't think I would receive enough authority and power to express my opinion," he explained.
Looking ahead to the upcoming match against Ireland, Natkho emphasized the need for physicality and maximum effort from the Israeli team. He suggested they should play to their own strengths rather than trying to emulate Ireland's style of play. "We need to be physical with them and give 150 percent, we cannot play their football, but our football, to fight. If we manage to play more short passes, it will help us," he concluded.
