Maccabi Haifa Players Shocked by Coach Barak Bakhar's Resignation
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Maccabi Haifa coach Barak Bakhar resigned Saturday after a 4-0 loss to Maccabi Netanya, surprising his players who learned of the decision via media. Club president Yaakov Shahar and professional manager Lior Refaelov met with Bakhar and the team, announcing a need for change. Refaelov will remain in his position, and he and Shahar will choose Bakhar's replacement, with Barak Itzhaki and Omer Peretz as top candidates.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Haifa coach Barak Bakhar resigned Saturday after a 4-0 loss to Maccabi Netanya.
- Players were surprised by Bakhar's resignation, learning about it through the media.
- Club president Yaakov Shahar cited a need for a "fresh start" after three straight losses.
- Assistant coach David Marten will lead training, replacing the canceled day off.
- Lior Refaelov will continue as professional manager and will help select Bakhar's successor.
- Barak Itzhaki and Omer Peretz are leading candidates to replace Bakhar.
Maccabi Haifa coach Barak Bakhar announced his resignation live on air Saturday following a devastating 4-0 home loss to Maccabi Netanya. The decision surprised the players, who were informed of Bakhar's departure through the media after the match. Bakhar had met with club president Yaakov Shahar, professional manager Lior Refaelov, and CEO Itzik Ovadia before the game, having already decided to step down.
In a post-game meeting with the players, Shahar stated that a "fresh start" was needed and acknowledged the players' role in Bakhar's decision, while also praising Bakhar's contributions and leaving the door open for his return. Bakhar then addressed the team, emphasizing the need for a respectful parting and expressing belief in the squad's potential. The players, who respected Bakhar's transparency, were surprised but many had anticipated his departure after a string of poor results, including three consecutive losses.
Following the meeting, Refaelov canceled the players' scheduled day off, replacing it with a training session led by assistant coach David Marten. Despite fan calls for his dismissal, Refaelov will continue in his role. Shahar and Refaelov are now tasked with selecting Bakhar's successor, with Anorthosis coach Barak Itzhaki and Hapoel Petah Tikva coach Omer Peretz reportedly being the leading candidates.
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