Anorthosis Appoints Barak Itzhaki as New Coach Amidst League Struggles

Barak Itzhaki was appointed this week as the new coach of Anorthosis, a Cypriot club currently in last place in the league. The club's spokesperson, Charalambos Periptas, discussed the Israeli's appointment, expectations, and the team's situation in a local interview, emphasizing the club's demand for an immediate response from the players.

Periptas explained that the decision to part ways with the previous coach, Nestor El Maestro, was made because the team was not meeting expectations. "The management believed a change was necessary for the team to perform at a level that reflects the efforts being made at all levels," he stated. The spokesperson added that they believe the players' abilities are higher than what they have shown so far and that things can be improved with the new coach's arrival.

Anorthosis sees Itzhaki's past experience with the club during the 2012/13 season as an advantage. "He knows Anorthosis, and that's an advantage because he knows the weight and status of the club. He also knows the Cypriot league," Periptas said.

The spokesperson highlighted that the club expects immediate change, not just psychologically. "The management chose him because he meets all the criteria, not just in terms of the ability to change the mood. He had an excellent period at Beitar Jerusalem when he arrived in a difficult situation. He led them to fourth place, and the following season they finished second. In general, he receives the best compliments and recommendations," Periptas noted.

Ahead of Saturday's match against Omonia Aradippou, the spokesperson sent a clear message to the players: "The responsibility lies with everyone, including the players. We must see a reaction. We want to turn over a new leaf, see passion, and show the greatest possible effort. Words no longer matter, what's important are the actions on the field."