Israel Soccer Coach Changes Approach for Upcoming Kosovo Match

Israel national team coach Ran Ben Shimon has altered his team's preparation strategy ahead of their upcoming Nations League match against Kosovo. Instead of the usual hotel gathering after the first training session, Ben Shimon decided to allow players to return home after their initial practice in Shefayim on Monday. He addressed the team, emphasizing the importance of spending time with family and clearing their heads, especially for those arriving from abroad. The team will convene at their hotel on Tuesday, and Ben Shimon plans to grant players three hours of free time each day to host family and friends.

This new approach contrasts with previous training camps, which were held entirely abroad with players confined to their hotels. Ben Shimon aims to provide more freedom and relaxation before the team departs for Kosovo on Thursday. Not all players were present at Monday's training, with Dor Turgeman, Eli Feingold, and Idan Toklomati still expected from the US. Ajax player Oscar Gloukh arrived from the Netherlands during the training session, while Idan Nachmias, who lives in Be'er Sheva, was excused from traveling to Shefayim for the initial session and will train in his hometown. Newly called-up Zahi Ahmed will join the team on Tuesday after attending to personal commitments made before his call-up.

Among the players who did participate were legionnaires Manor Solomon, Liel Abada, Omri Gandelman, Nikita Stoyanov, and Daniel Peretz. The Israeli team is seeking its first win in the Nations League campaign, having accumulated only two points from their first four games. Currently last in Group 3 of League B, Israel will play Kosovo away on Saturday and then host Austria in Debrecen, Hungary, three days later. The team's objective is to climb to third place and secure their spot in League B, as finishing last would necessitate playoff matches against a League C opponent for survival.