Maccabi Haifa Open to Appointing Israeli Coach Amid Foreign Manager Search Difficulties
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Maccabi Haifa is considering appointing an Israeli coach due to difficulties finding a suitable foreign manager after Barak Bakhar's resignation. Professional Director Lior Refaelov is exploring both foreign and domestic candidates, with Sharon Mimer reportedly leading the Israeli options. The club aims to make a decision soon to allow the new coach time to prepare for the league's return. Owner Yaakov Shahar will make the final choice.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Haifa is considering appointing an Israeli coach due to difficulties finding a foreign manager.
- Professional Director Lior Refaelov is exploring both foreign and domestic candidates.
- Sharon Mimer is reportedly the leading Israeli candidate for the coaching position.
- The club aims to appoint a new coach by Wednesday or Thursday.
- Owner Yaakov Shahar will make the final decision on the new head coach.
Maccabi Haifa is actively searching for a new head coach following the resignation of Barak Bakhar, and the possibility of appointing an Israeli manager is now on the table. Professional Director Lior Refaelov is exploring foreign candidates but is encountering significant challenges in finding a senior coach willing to relocate to Israel during this period. Consequently, the club is also considering domestic options.
Sharon Mimer is reportedly emerging as the leading Israeli candidate. The club aims to have a new coach in place by Wednesday or Thursday to greet players returning from international duty. While a foreign coach remains a preference, difficulties include the unavailability of top candidates and their reluctance to move to Israel. Additionally, unlike the arrival of Diego Flores, who brought his own staff, integrating a new foreign coach with the existing professional team presents complexities, with the current staff expected to remain if a foreign hire is made.
Refaelov had previously expressed interest in Hapoel Petah Tikva coach Omer Peretz, but Maccabi Haifa prefers not to approach coaches currently under contract. Numerous free-agent coaches have been offered to the club since Bakhar's departure, including some with prior experience at Maccabi Haifa. Mimer is seen as a strong contender due to his recent successes and ambition.
The final decision rests with owner Yaakov Shahar, who previously supported Bakhar's return. The choice is complicated by the ongoing season and the club's desire to avoid poaching coaches under contract, which narrows the candidate pool. Maccabi Haifa recognizes the urgency to finalize the decision to allow the new coach adequate preparation time for the league's resumption and optimal integration with the players.
Refaelov will present the final candidates to Shahar for a decision. If a coach under contract, like Peretz, is chosen, negotiations with their current club will be necessary. Appointing a free agent would significantly expedite the process.
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