Dekel Keinan Begins Coaching Career in US
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Former Israeli Premier League player Dekel Keinan has started his coaching career in the United States as the interim coach of Orange County SC. The 41-year-old, who also played-coached for LA Force, aims to transition fully into management. Keinan has been praised for his ability to foster team culture and develop young players. Despite past interest from Israeli clubs like Maccabi Haifa, he has remained in the U.S., though his long-term coaching future is uncertain.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dekel Keinan, former Israeli Premier League player, is now interim coach of Orange County SC.
- Keinan transitioned to coaching, calling it the "second-best job in the world."
- He is praised for building team culture and developing young players.
- Keinan previously served as player-coach for LA Force and coached the OC academy.
- Despite interest from Israeli clubs, he has remained in the U.S.
Former Israeli Premier League defender Dekel Keinan, the last Israeli to move directly from the Israeli league to the Premier League, has begun his coaching career in the United States. The 41-year-old, who previously played for Maccabi Haifa, is currently the interim coach of Orange County SC in the second division of American soccer. Keinan transitioned to coaching after a stint as a player-coach for the LA Force, where he even scored the winning goal in one match. He described the move to coaching as the "second-best job in the world" after playing.
During his time as a player-coach, Keinan helped build a team praised for its strong locker room culture. He emphasized player trust and freedom, citing an instance where forward Joel Quist was supported by teammates after a crucial decision, leading to a game-winning goal. Keinan's team fostered a positive environment, with some players and management moving on to higher-level clubs.
Keinan was appointed interim coach at Orange County SC in early September, winning his first game 1-0. The team's official website noted a "real energy shift." Although he was appointed until the end of the season, the team lost its last four matches, leaving his future with the club uncertain. He had previously served as an assistant coach for three years, working with players like Israeli college champion Yaniv Bizini and international coaches.
Keinan is known for his ability to balance roles, acting as a senior assistant coach while also being an active player. He also coached the Orange County SC academy, which has produced players for MLS and European clubs. Despite past links to Maccabi Haifa, including interest from president Yaakov Shahar, Keinan has consistently chosen to remain in the U.S. His limited experience in the second American division may not be enough for a head coaching role at a major club, despite his accomplished playing career.
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