Ex-Coach Klinger Suggests Player Refaelov Coach Maccabi Haifa

Former coach and commentator Nir Klinger has proposed that Lior Refaelov, a current player, should take over as head coach of Maccabi Haifa. Klinger, speaking on the program "The Press Box," suggested that Refaelov, who he believes dictated the team's 3-4-3 formation to outgoing coach Barak Bakhar this season, should instead lead the team himself. Klinger advised Refaelov to coach for three to four years before potentially moving into a professional manager role.

Maccabi Haifa is currently searching for a new coach after Barak Bakhar resigned last Saturday. Klinger stated he was not surprised by Bakhar's departure, noting that the coach had been struggling. He praised Bakhar as one of Israel's best coaches but criticized Maccabi Haifa's management for their handling of the situation and concessions made to Refaelov. Klinger questioned the team's victories against weaker opponents, suggesting that while players like Bruninho and Pedro Brazão performed well, it was against subpar competition.

Klinger also addressed the idea of hiring a foreign coach, emphasizing the immense pressure and lack of time for building a team at clubs like Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi Tel Aviv, or Beitar Jerusalem. He drew a parallel with Maccabi Tel Aviv, which has consistently had a professional manager like Jordi Cruyff, Ben Mansford, and Steven Vaharnik, to handle such pressures.

Regarding potential replacements for Bakhar, Klinger dismissed Barak Yitzhaki, suggesting he would be ill-advised to leave his current role in Cyprus, and also ruled out Omer Peretz due to his inexperience. Klinger reiterated his belief that Maccabi Haifa is a club of significant stature, comparable to Maccabi Tel Aviv, and that coaching there is not easy.