Hapoel Be'er Sheva Coach Dismisses Title Talk After Dominant Win

Hapoel Be'er Sheva demonstrated their championship mettle with a commanding 5-2 victory over Maccabi Haifa at Sammy Ofer Stadium. The win serves as a strong statement of intent for the remainder of the season, signaling to their rivals that a title challenge will require significant effort.

Coach Ran Kozuch attributed the win to a clear game plan, stating, "We understood very well before the game what the game plan needed to be and how it would be expressed in our football." He noted that while the first half was less effective, the team executed their strategy successfully in the second half, highlighting the mental fortitude required to perform on a difficult pitch against a strong opponent. Kozuch praised his players for the victory, emphasizing their collective effort.

Addressing player absences, Kozuch asserted that Hapoel Be'er Sheva's strength lies in its collective unit, stating, "The whole in Be'er Sheva is greater than the sum of its parts." He expressed full confidence in the available midfielders, who he noted were the same ones who started against Dinamo Zagreb, underscoring the team's depth and belief in its players.

Kozuch also dismissed speculation about the title race, which has primarily focused on Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv. "We are not looking for them to count us," he said. "We are focused on ourselves." He recalled past seasons where outsiders were discussed as title contenders, emphasizing that the team does not get distracted by external noise. He added that even after a loss to Union, the team analyzed their shortcomings and focused on improvement, demonstrating resilience regardless of opponent quality or difficult moments.

Kozuch also publicly supported player Djibril Diop, urging his teammates to show solidarity and recognize Diop's commitment to the team. He commended Diop's performance, noting that his actions demonstrated his understanding of the team's message and his desire to prove his worth.

New signing Amankwah Forson shared his positive experience in Israel, crediting the staff, players, and fans for his smooth adaptation. He mentioned that playing with Oscar Gloukh at Salzburg and Gloukh's positive accounts of Israel eased any initial fears. Forson also acknowledged hearing about Kings Kangwa but reiterated his focus on personal development and giving his best for the team.