MakoSports09:26

Hapoel Kiryat Shmona Seeks Defensive Solidity Ahead of Maccabi Netanya Clash

Translated & summarized from Mako by baba

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Hebrew · 2 newsrooms covering

Hapoel Kiryat Shmona will play Maccabi Netanya on Saturday, hoping to break a four-game losing streak and improve their defense after conceding 12 goals in four games. Coach שי ברדה is demanding a more responsible team that prioritizes defense over offense. The team is also considering lineup changes, including at the striker position for new signing אלכסנדרו פופ, who is looking for his first goal.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Hapoel Kiryat Shmona aims to end a four-game losing streak against Maccabi Netanya.
Coach שי ברדה wants a more responsible, defense-focused team.
The team has conceded 12 goals in their last four matches.
Lineup decisions are pending, including the striker role for אלכסנדרו פופ.
Kiryat Shmona seeks its first win since late August.

Hapoel Kiryat Shmona is preparing to face Maccabi Netanya on Saturday, aiming to end a four-game losing streak and secure their first points since late August. The team, currently struggling after a 3-1 loss to Hapoel Tel Aviv last week, has conceded 12 goals in their last four matches. Coach שי ברדה has emphasized the need for a more responsible and defensively solid team, stating he wants to see a side that "doesn't just think about attack." The team held several meetings this week to boost player morale.

ברדה is facing several lineup decisions, with rotations occurring throughout the week and a final decision expected after the concluding training session. One key consideration is the central striker position, where the new foreign player, אלכסנדרו פופ, debuted last week replacing ניב גבאי. פופ is still seeking his first goal for the club. The team's primary focus is on tightening their defense and achieving a clean sheet, recognizing that success hinges on improving their backline after a challenging start to the season.

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