Maccabi Haifa Faces Crucial Coaching Decision After Bakhar's Exit

Maccabi Haifa is in a complex situation following the resignation of coach Barak Bakhar on Saturday, announced after the team's loss to Maccabi Netanya. Unlike previous instances where Bakhar waited until the season's end or was dismissed without major dilemmas, this departure presents a significant challenge. The club is hesitant to approach coaches currently under contract, while there is no consensus on a foreign coach or an available free agent.

Reports indicate that Northern Irish coach Rory Higgins claims to have been contacted, a statement Maccabi Haifa has denied. Additionally, sources close to Eduard Iordănescu confirmed a conversation took place. The choice of the next coach is considered critical, particularly for Lior Refaelov, who has not met expectations in his professional role since his appointment. Refaelov initially favored a foreign coaching staff, but both Diego Flores' tenure and his work with Bakhar were not particularly successful.

Names like Omer Peretz, coach of Hapoel Petah Tikva, and Barak Itzhaki, coach of Anorthosis Famagusta, are being considered, but this conflicts with the club's reluctance to approach coaches under contract. This decision is pivotal and could determine Refaelov's future at the club, as another failure is expected to seal his departure.

A source within Maccabi Haifa described the upcoming decision as "one of the most important in the club's history," emphasizing that "hitting the jackpot with the coach choice can change the momentum." The club aims to avoid a return to its "dark decade" and hopes to end its trophy drought much sooner, with the coming days being crucial.