Israel National Football Team Lacks Technical Director Amidst Poor Performance
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The Israeli national football team has performed poorly in the UEFA Nations League, securing only two points from twelve. The article argues that the absence of a professional or technical director, a role common in comparable national teams, is a significant factor contributing to the team's struggles. Past technical directors like Willi Ruttensteiner and Yossi Benyon have held the position, but it has been vacant since 2024. The role is seen as crucial for long-term development and bridging the gap between youth and senior squads.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's national football team secured only two points in their last four UEFA Nations League games.
- The team's performance has led to questions about its direction and potential relegation.
- A key missing role identified is that of a professional or technical director.
- Previous technical directors for Israel include Willi Ruttensteiner and Yossi Benyon.
- 73% of national teams at Israel's level or lower have a technical director.
- The role is seen as vital for long-term football development and youth-to-senior transitions.
The Israeli national football team is struggling, having secured only two points out of a possible twelve in their recent UEFA Nations League matches. This performance has left them with a slim chance of advancing in the tournament and potentially dropping to a lower division. The article suggests that a key missing role, a professional or technical director, could address many of the team's issues.
Following disappointing losses to teams considered to be at a similar level, such as Austria, Ireland, and Kosovo, questions are being raised about the team's direction. Despite past successes with youth teams, the senior squad is failing to translate potential into results. While tactical approaches and player attitudes have been discussed, the article proposes focusing on the absence of a dedicated technical director.
Israel has had technical directors in the past, including Willi Ruttensteiner (2018-2020) and Yossi Benyon (2022-2024). However, the position has been vacant since Benyon's departure. Currently, Boni Ginzburg oversees the youth teams, with Biram Kiyal as his assistant, while coach Ran Ben Shimon holds the top professional authority for the senior team. Freddy David, director of the Football Association's development centers, also collaborates with the senior team.
The role of a technical director varies across nations. In Spain, Aitor Karanka served as a liaison, assisting with club relations and player communication, allowing coaches to focus solely on training. In contrast, Benyon held significant professional authority. Switzerland's former technical director, Hanesrud Haussler, described the role as the "architect of football in the country," emphasizing a focus on foundational development, particularly at younger age groups.
The article highlights that this role is common among UEFA Nations League teams, with 73% of teams at Israel's level or lower having a technical director responsible for the connection between senior and youth squads. Examples like Ireland and Austria, who have had technical directors involved in squad selection and long-term development, are cited as successful models. The absence of such a figure in Israel's senior team is seen as a potential factor contributing to the team's current struggles and hindering the smooth transition of young talent to the senior level.
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