Berkovich Slams Israel's National Team, Says He'd Resign at Halftime
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Former Israeli football star Eyal Berkovich heavily criticized the national team and coach Ran Ben Shimon following a 1-1 draw with Ireland. Berkovich stated he would have resigned at halftime if he were the coach, calling the team's performance a "total failure." He questioned tactical decisions, particularly regarding player positioning and defense. Berkovich also expressed confidence in his own coaching abilities, suggesting he could bring a fresh approach to the team.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Eyal Berkovich said he would resign at halftime if he were coaching the Israeli national team.
- Berkovich described the team's performance, with 2 points from 12, as a "total failure."
- He criticized tactical decisions, including player positioning and the team's slow defense.
- Berkovich suggested creative solutions for the defense, citing historical player versatility.
- He expressed confidence in his own coaching intuition despite lacking formal experience.
Former Israeli football star Eyal Berkovich launched a scathing critique of the national team and its coach, Ran Ben Shimon, in an interview on Tuesday.
Berkovich, whose name has recently surfaced as a potential candidate for the national team's coaching position, stated that if he were in charge, he would have resigned at halftime during the recent match against Ireland, which ended in a 1-1 draw. He described the team's performance, which has yielded only two points from a possible twelve, as a "total failure."
Berkovich questioned several tactical decisions, including the positioning of Dor Peretz, whom he believes is better suited to playing behind the strikers rather than as a forward. He also drew parallels to his own career, noting that he did not have a guaranteed spot on the team despite his status, implying that players like Oscar Gloukh might not have started if not for injuries.
Addressing the team's defensive struggles, Berkovich emphasized that he would not allow slow defenders to play under him, suggesting creative solutions like converting fast fullbacks into center-backs, citing historical examples of players like Alon Harazi and Nir Klinger playing in multiple positions. He also expressed a preference for a 4-3-3 formation over a three-defender system, believing the latter invites too much pressure.
When asked about his own potential coaching aspirations, Berkovich reiterated his willingness to volunteer for the national team while continuing his media work, but stated he would not give up his media career. He expressed confidence in his coaching intuition, despite never having formally coached, and argued that given the team's past struggles and numerous coaching changes, there was little to lose by trying someone new.
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