Veteran Coach Reflects on Talent Development and Israeli Football
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Former youth football coach Arik Izikowitz, 70, reflected on his career developing Israeli talent at Beitar Tubruk. He criticized the high number of foreign players in Israeli leagues, stating it limits opportunities for local youth. Izikowitz also recounted refusing to coach Maor Buzaglo due to a dispute over his haircut. He believes his strict approach to discipline and academics produced better players and people.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Coach Arik Izikowitz, 70, developed numerous Israeli football talents at Beitar Tubruk.
- Izikowitz blames eight foreign players per team for hindering young Israeli talent.
- He refused to coach Maor Buzaglo over his father's objection to a haircut.
- Izikowitz emphasized discipline and academics alongside football development.
- He believes Beitar Tubruk has lost its way from his original vision.
Arik Izikowitz, a prominent youth football coach who recently celebrated his 70th birthday, has been credited with nurturing countless Israeli football talents over his 30-year career at Beitar Tubruk's youth academy. Among the notable players who passed through his program are Almog Cohen, Eli Ran, Guy Asulin, and Diya Saba. Izikowitz emphasized the strong bonds he maintains with his former players, many of whom attended his birthday celebration.
Izikowitz highlighted his commitment to discipline and education, stating that he would dismiss players with poor academic records and that none of his trainees ever encountered legal trouble. He contrasted his successful approach, which produced significant players without a senior team or a large budget, with the current state of Israeli youth football.
He criticized the excessive number of foreign players in Israeli leagues, arguing that it hinders the development of young Israeli talent. Izikowitz believes that limiting foreign players to a maximum of two per team would significantly improve the chances for local players to succeed and advance their careers, ultimately benefiting the national team.
Reflecting on Beitar Tubruk, Izikowitz noted that the club has strayed from his original vision and is now closely associated with Maccabi Netanya. He expressed disappointment that the club, which once attracted aspiring players from across the country, now struggles, with its youth team in the second division and no significant players emerging in recent years.
Izikowitz also recalled a significant incident where he refused to accept Maor Buzaglo into his program due to his father Yaakov Buzaglo's refusal to allow his son to get a haircut, despite Maor's evident talent. He also mentioned his role in brokering a reconciliation between coaches Shlomo Sharf and Avraham Grant.
Looking ahead, Izikowitz stated that if he were to return to football, it would only be for Beitar Tubruk. He identified Shi Birok as the most talented player he coached, surpassing even well-known names like Guy Asulin and Shlomi Arbaitman.
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