Ex-Coach Suggests Player Lior Refaelov Coach Maccabi Haifa
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Former coach Nir Klinger suggested that player Lior Refaelov should become the new head coach of Maccabi Haifa, believing Refaelov dictated the team's tactics. Klinger's comments came as Maccabi Haifa searches for a replacement for Barak Bakhar, who resigned last Saturday. Klinger praised Bakhar but criticized the club's management and concessions made to Refaelov. He also discussed the pressures of coaching top Israeli clubs and the need for experienced professional management.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Nir Klinger proposed player Lior Refaelov coach Maccabi Haifa after Barak Bakhar's resignation.
- Klinger believes Refaelov dictated the team's 3-4-3 formation to Bakhar this season.
- Maccabi Haifa is actively seeking a new head coach following Bakhar's departure last Saturday.
- Klinger praised Bakhar as a top coach but criticized club management's handling of the situation.
- Klinger suggested Refaelov coach for 3-4 years before becoming a professional manager.
Former coach and commentator Nir Klinger has proposed that Lior Refaelov, a current player, should take over as head coach of Maccabi Haifa. Klinger stated on the program "The Press Box" that Refaelov dictated the team's 3-4-3 formation to outgoing coach Barak Bakhar this season and should therefore coach the team himself. Klinger suggested Refaelov coach for three to four years before potentially becoming a professional manager.
Maccabi Haifa is currently searching for a new coach after Barak Bakhar resigned last Saturday. Klinger expressed no surprise at Bakhar's departure, noting that the coach had been carrying the burden for some time. He praised Bakhar as one of Israel's best coaches but acknowledged he is in a difficult period. Klinger criticized Maccabi Haifa's management for their handling of the situation and for making concessions to Refaelov, questioning the team's victories against weaker opponents.
Discussing the possibility of a foreign coach, Klinger emphasized the immense pressure at clubs like Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Beitar Jerusalem, stating there is no time for rebuilding. He drew a parallel with Maccabi Tel Aviv, highlighting their consistent professional management structure with figures like Jordi Cruyff, Ben Mansford, and Steven Vahran.
Klinger argued that professional management requires a process, contrasting it with situations like Almog Cohen's, who started at a club with less pressure. He reiterated his idea for Refaelov to coach, suggesting that any licensing issues could be resolved. Klinger believes Refaelov should coach for several years before moving into a professional management role, offering this as a thought-provoking suggestion.
Regarding the current Maccabi Haifa squad, Klinger deemed it borderline, suggesting the immediate need for two significantly better central defenders. He expressed doubt about Israeli candidates, mentioning Barak Yitzhaki is unavailable and Omer Peretz lacks experience. Klinger concluded by reiterating that Maccabi Haifa is a club of immense stature, comparable to Maccabi Tel Aviv, and is not easy to coach.
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