Hapoel Haifa Coach Says Squad Far From Complete Ahead of Derby Clash

Hapoel Haifa returned to Israel on Monday after concluding their training camp in Bansko, Bulgaria. The team views the camp positively in terms of professional and physical progress, but concerns remain with only five days left before their Toto Cup derby against Maccabi Haifa. One key decision made was to release Nigerian winger Kenneth Mama, who was assessed during the camp but deemed not fully fit due to his injury history, leading the club to avoid taking risks with him.

Coach Haim Silvas summarized the camp, highlighting the hard work and improvements across professional, physical, and social aspects within the squad. However, he acknowledged that the current roster is far from complete and emphasized the need to strengthen several positions, especially in attack. The club aims to add a winger, an attacking midfielder, a left-back, and a striker, preferably two to three foreign players who can immediately enhance the team's quality ahead of the season start.

Despite the positive training outcomes, the club admits that in its current state, Hapoel Haifa is "simply not a good enough team." The players have a day off on Tuesday, with training resuming Wednesday, though the location remains uncertain due to an ongoing dispute with Haifa municipality, which is blocking access to the Beit Nagler training facility over alleged club debts. Owner Yoav Katz, who briefly visited the camp and met the players, has since returned to the United States.