Barak Bakhar Resigns as Maccabi Haifa Coach After Heavy Loss

Following a devastating 4-0 defeat to Maccabi Netanya, coach Barak Bakhar announced his resignation from Maccabi Haifa. The decision comes just before the international break and after a string of three consecutive losses in the Israeli Premier League, leaving the team with 18 points. Bakhar, visibly emotional, stated, "This is a very difficult moment for me. I say this with tears, but I feel the team needs a change. I worked very hard to lift this team, it didn't work out. I hurt for the fans." He informed "Yaankeleh Shachar" of his decision, adding, "It hurts a lot, this team needs a change. I tried, it didn't work, I am at peace with everything I did. Sometimes you have to give up."

Bakhar elaborated that while it might not be a complete exhaustion of potential, "it's not working." He believes the team possesses talented players and could have achieved more, especially in terms of results. He expressed his gratitude for the conditions provided by the club, stating, "I received all the conditions, no one forced me into anything." He also acknowledged the fans' calls for his resignation, saying, "I understand why the fans called for me to resign." Bakhar concluded by taking full responsibility and expressing confidence that the club would find a new path with "new blood, something different."

Maccabi Haifa has conceded 20 goals in the Premier League this season and is currently six points behind league leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv. Bakhar's tenure, his third with the club, saw him win three league championships. He had also coached during the 2024/25 season. Bakhar is considered one of the greatest coaches in Israeli football, having won a total of six championships. The team's next match after the break is against Bnei Sakhnin at Doha Stadium, followed by games against Beitar Jerusalem and a derby against Hapoel Haifa.