Hapoel Beer Sheva Coach Defends Player After Dominant Win

Hapoel Beer Sheva's coach, Ran Kozuch, celebrated his team's decisive 5-2 victory over Maccabi Haifa at Sammy Ofer Stadium, a win he described as a significant statement of intent for the remainder of the season. Kozuch emphasized the team's strategic approach, noting that while the first half didn't fully execute their game plan, the second half saw them perform as intended.

He highlighted the team's mental strength and ability to perform in challenging away games against strong opponents, attributing the win to the players' efforts. Kozuch also addressed the absence of key midfielders, stating that Hapoel Beer Sheva's collective strength surpasses individual contributions and expressing full confidence in the current squad, citing their previous performance against Dinamo Zagreb.

When asked about the championship race, where focus has been on Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv, Kozuch stated that his team is not seeking external validation and remains focused internally. He recalled past seasons where outsiders predicted unlikely outcomes, stressing that the team does not feed off external "noise." He also mentioned that even after a previous loss to Union, the team analyzed their shortcomings and discussed how to handle difficult moments, such as counter-attacks and set pieces.

Kozuch also strongly defended player Djibril Diop, urging his teammates to support him. He praised Diop's performance, stating that beyond scoring, every action demonstrated his understanding of the team's message and his commitment to proving his worth. Kozuch concluded by reflecting on the need to improve finishing, noting that missed opportunities against quality opponents can be costly, and that the team needs to avoid rushing plays when in possession.