Cypriot Media Questions Barak Yitzhaki's Coaching Impact at Anorthosis

Israeli coach Barak Yitzhaki has begun his tenure at Cypriot club Anorthosis Famagusta, with local media outlets examining the potential changes his arrival will bring. While his appointment has generated some hope, significant questions remain regarding his coaching experience and tactical approach.

According to a Sportime column by Alexis Fambos, Yitzhaki, 42, arrives with experience from only one previous club, Beitar Jerusalem, where he coached for 28 months. Fambos noted Yitzhaki's past as a player for Anorthosis, but emphasized the current challenge is far greater. When Yitzhaki took over Beitar Jerusalem in February 2024, the team was 11th in the league and finished the season 12th, with a record of four wins, four losses, and two draws. Fambos described this impact as "not immediate or particularly impressive." However, he also pointed out that in the two seasons where Yitzhaki built and prepared the squad, Beitar finished fourth and second, respectively. This raises the first question for Anorthosis, which is currently in a similar league position to Beitar when Yitzhaki first joined.

The second major question, according to the Cypriot commentator, concerns Yitzhaki's preferred formations and playing style. While Yitzhaki has utilized various formations at Beitar, predominantly employing a four-man defense (4-3-3, 4-1-4-1, 4-2-3-1, and 4-4-2), a three-center-back system was an exception. In contrast, Anorthosis under previous coaches Mavros Kamranzi and Nestor El Maestro consistently used three center-backs. The key question is whether Yitzhaki will adapt to this system or impose his own philosophy from the outset.

Yitzhaki's two-year contract, secured from management led by Christos Marangos, is seen as a sign of complete trust and a message of significant authority to the team, possibly indicating both. Professionally, it represents a major gamble for the current management, especially after the failure of their initial choice.

Meanwhile, 24sports analyzed Yitzhaki's playing philosophy, highlighting his frequent use of a 4-3-3 formation at Beitar for width and balance, but noting his flexibility to switch to formations like 5-4-1 when necessary to secure results. His attacking strategy relies heavily on full-backs providing width and creating numerical advantages on the flanks, with midfielders expected to maintain composure and quickly transfer the ball to wingers. Yitzhaki avoids prolonged, aimless possession, favoring quick, deep passes to surprise defenses. He demands that his center forwards be able to play with their back to goal and lay off passes, and often gives his most talented player freedom to roam and create openings. The publication also praised his game management, ability to read the game, and effective substitutions to control tempo and secure outcomes, noting the team's capacity for organized defense when needed.

Both outlets conclude by addressing the tactical dilemma: whether Yitzhaki will immediately change Anorthosis's prevalent three-center-back system or adapt his ideas to the existing squad. The coach will have his first opportunity to provide answers in his upcoming match against Omonia Aradippou.