Barak Itzhaki Nears Deal to Coach Cyprus' Anorthosis Famagusta

Israeli coach Barak Itzhaki is on the verge of signing a two-year contract with Cypriot club Anorthosis Famagusta, according to reports. Itzhaki, who left Beitar Jerusalem in the summer, is reportedly close to finalizing the deal within the next 24 hours. He is expected to travel to Cyprus and sign the contract shortly after terms are agreed upon.

Anorthosis recently parted ways with coach Manosel Al Maestro, who was appointed this past summer. Al Maestro's tenure was marked by a poor start to the season, with the team securing only one win and suffering five losses, placing them 13th out of 14 teams in the Cypriot league.

Itzhaki's previous coaching role was with Beitar Jerusalem, where he managed for over two years, leading them to a Toto Cup win, a State Cup final appearance, and a second-place league finish. This move would mark his first coaching position abroad.

Anorthosis Famagusta, one of Cyprus' most decorated clubs, notably became the first Cypriot team to reach the Champions League group stage in the 2008/09 season. However, the club has experienced professional and managerial instability in recent years, with their last title being the Cypriot Cup in 2021. Since then, they have struggled to compete for the championship, often finishing in the middle or lower half of the league table.

Itzhaki also has a past connection to Anorthosis as a player, having had a successful loan spell with the club during the 2012/13 season while on loan from Maccabi Tel Aviv. This history is cited as a factor that made him a relevant candidate for the coaching position.