Khaled Khlaileh Reflects on Modern Football's 'Softness' and His New Role
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Former Bnei Sakhnin captain Khaled Khlaileh participated in a memorial match for Lior Assulin and discussed his views on modern football, which he finds "softer" and lacking passion. Khlaileh, who now manages a health fund clinic, believes today's players are less committed than in his era. He also reflected on his career, including a near-transfer to Hapoel Be'er Sheva and his disappointment over the lack of a significant tribute to Assulin by the club. Khlaileh hopes Bnei Sakhnin can achieve past glories and return to European competitions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Khaled Khlaileh criticizes modern footballers as "softer" and lacking the passion he displayed.
- Khlaileh, a former Bnei Sakhnin captain, now manages a health fund clinic in Sakhnin.
- He expressed disappointment that Bnei Sakhnin has not yet honored the late Lior Assulin.
- A potential transfer to Hapoel Be'er Sheva in 2007 fell through due to transfer fees.
- Khlaileh hopes Bnei Sakhnin can recapture past glories and return to European play.
Former captain and influential player Khaled Khlaileh, a prominent figure for Bnei Sakhnin, has returned to the football scene for a memorial match honoring the late Lior Assulin. Khlaileh, who was instrumental in the team's promotion and establishment in the Premier League, spoke about his career and his current work managing a health fund clinic in Sakhnin. He expressed disappointment with the current state of football, noting a perceived lack of passion and toughness among players. "I'm looking, but I don't see the next Khaled Khlaileh," he stated, describing modern players as "softer" and lacking the heart he believes is essential. Khlaileh, who holds the record for most yellow cards with 155, explained his aggressive style was to intimidate opponents and assert himself in games. He admitted he doesn't enjoy watching many matches today, contrasting them with the intense games of the past against teams like Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Khlaileh also touched upon his past experiences, including the intensity of matches against Beitar Jerusalem, which still draw animosity from their fans. He recalled his close relationship with coach Eyal Lachman, who he credits with developing his skills and insisting on his move to the top league despite initial skepticism. A potential transfer to Hapoel Be'er Sheva fell through due to transfer fee disputes, a move Khlaileh ultimately didn't regret as his heart remained with Sakhnin. He also expressed his disappointment that Sakhnin had not yet held a more significant tribute for Lior Assulin, whom he remembered as an amazing person and player.
Reflecting on his career, Khlaileh mentioned his expectation of a national team call-up in 2017 after Sakhnin reached the upper playoff, which did not materialize. He also humorously weighed in on the debate of who is greater, Khlaileh or Khlaileh, declaring himself the superior. Looking forward, he expressed hope that Bnei Sakhnin could replicate past successes, such as playing against teams like Newcastle, suggesting that winning another cup could open doors to such European competitions.
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