Barak Yitzhaki Set to Coach Cyprus' Anorthosis Famagusta

Israeli coach Barak Yitzhaki is reportedly on the verge of signing a two-year contract with Cypriot club Anorthosis Famagusta, with his arrival in Cyprus expected as early as Thursday. Cypriot media reported that Yitzhaki was chosen from a shortlist of three to four candidates and that the deal is finalized. His arrival was anticipated for Thursday afternoon, with the possibility of him leading the team's training session later that day. The club's training schedule was reportedly adjusted to accommodate his arrival and finalize the agreement.

Yitzhaki's coaching career includes a stint as interim coach for Maccabi Tel Aviv and a more than two-year tenure at Beitar Jerusalem. During his time with Beitar, he led the team to a Toto Cup victory, a State Cup final appearance, and a second-place league finish. This move to Anorthosis would mark his first coaching position abroad.

Anorthosis Famagusta is a historically significant club in Cyprus, notably being the first Cypriot team to reach the UEFA 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. The team has struggled to compete for the league championship, often finishing in the middle or lower half of the table.

Just the day before, Anorthosis announced the dismissal of coach Nestor El Maestro, who was appointed in the summer. El Maestro's tenure was marked by a poor start to the season, with the team securing only one win and five losses, placing them 13th out of 14 teams in the Cypriot league.