Israeli Soccer Teams Maccabi Haifa and Beitar Jerusalem Face Coaching and Tactical Woes
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Maccabi Haifa and Beitar Jerusalem are facing significant challenges in the Israeli Premier League, with Maccabi Haifa parting ways with coach Barak Bakhar for the second time due to professional failure. Beitar Jerusalem's Almog Cohen is criticized for overly rigid tactics, while Maccabi Tel Aviv has seen a sharp decline after a strong start. The league enters a break with several top clubs needing to address fundamental issues.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Barak Bakhar departs Maccabi Haifa for the second time after a professional failure.
- Almog Cohen's transition to coaching Beitar Jerusalem has created tactical issues and player rigidity.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv has struggled since the international break, winning only one of five games.
- Maccabi Haifa's struggles are attributed to an "unsuccessful alchemy" and lack of team resilience.
The recent weekend of Israeli Premier League football highlighted unexpected results and ongoing challenges for top clubs. Maccabi Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem drew with lower-ranked opponents, while Maccabi Netanya decisively defeated Maccabi Haifa. This performance marks the second departure of Barak Bakhar, the league's most decorated coach, from Maccabi Haifa following professional failure. Meanwhile, Almog Cohen, initially lauded for his professional management at Beitar Jerusalem, is now facing difficulties after transitioning to a coaching role, leaving a void in management.
At Maccabi Haifa, Bakhar's return was marred by what is described as an "unsuccessful alchemy." The team struggled with a lack of cohesion, as Bakhar's trusted staff was replaced, and new elements were introduced unnaturally. Despite significant investment since 2011, the club has only won three championships, often experiencing mid-season turmoil. The article suggests the team lacks the backbone, resilience, and character needed for consistent success, often falling apart against stronger opponents.
Beitar Jerusalem, in contrast, suffers from an excess of rigidity. Almog Cohen is reportedly imposing too much order and high pressure, stifling the players' freedom. Without energy and freedom, the team, despite individual talents, may struggle in their championship aspirations.
Maccabi Tel Aviv, after a perfect start to the season, has faltered since the international break, securing only one win in five games and losing the derby. Coach Keni Miller faces pressure to find solutions and diversify the team's play. Issues include the disappearance of player Gabi Kaniukovsky's form, finding a complementary central defensive pairing, and extracting value from winger play and a seemingly heavy player like Tavernier. The league heads into a break with several top teams needing significant work to reach their expected positions.
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