Maccabi Haifa Weighs Defensive Changes Amidst Poor Goals-Conceded Record
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Maccabi Haifa is struggling defensively, conceding an average of 1.75 goals per game and considering changes for their match against Hapoel Tel Aviv. The team is awaiting the return of injured left-back Pierre Cornud, expected in two months, after losing other key defenders. Coach Barak Bakhar and manager Lior Rafalov decided against signing a new left-back, opting to wait for Cornud's recovery.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Haifa is considering defensive changes due to a high goals-conceded average of 1.75 per game.
- The team is waiting for the return of left-back Pierre Cornud, expected in approximately two months.
- Injuries have significantly impacted Maccabi Haifa's defense this season.
- Professional Manager Lior Rafalov and coach Barak Bakhar decided against signing a new left-back.
- Eli Dasa and Yalla Betaye are competing for the left-back position.
- Tsunami is expected to play as a center-back against Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Maccabi Haifa is considering defensive adjustments ahead of their match against Hapoel Tel Aviv due to a concerning goals-conceded average of 1.75 per game in the current league season. The team has allowed 14 goals in eight league matches, placing them among the league's weakest defenses. This defensive fragility is a significant worry for the club's management.
The team's defense underwent substantial changes from the previous season. Abdoulaye Seck departed after four seasons, and Lisb Eisath was sold to Bristol City for 2.5 million euros. Additionally, injuries sidelined both left-backs, Pierre Cornud and Yinon Feinzig, for extended periods.
This summer, Maccabi Haifa signed Nigel Lonwijk and Tsunami, who can play as a center-back or left-back. However, Tsunami's offensive contribution on the wing has been limited, and he has shared the position with Kenny Saif. Professional Manager Lior Rafalov and coach Barak Bakhar opted not to sign another foreign or Israeli left-back, choosing instead to wait for Pierre Cornud's return. Cornud is expected to gradually resume training and is estimated to be fit within two months.
The defense is identified as the team's Achilles' heel. A tactical experiment against Hapoel Be'er Sheva saw Eli Dasa move to right-back and Yalla Betaye shift to left-back. Tsunami is anticipated to start as a center-back alongside Lonwijk against Hapoel Tel Aviv. Saif and Betaye are competing for the left-back position, though it is not their natural role.
"The decision to wait for Cornud could prove critical. Those who arrived this summer have not yet justified the credit. Perhaps with Dasa, the defense will look better. Cornud is progressing well, but we also need to see how he returns from such a long absence," sources from Carmel stated.
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