Hapoel Jerusalem Coach Lior Zada Aims to Strengthen Squad Ahead of Season Opener

Hapoel Jerusalem is preparing to kick off the 2026-27 season with a Toto Cup match against Maccabi Netanya on Saturday. The team recently concluded an eight-day summer training camp in eastern Poland at the Yanov Podleski sports complex, where 25 players, including four from the youth team and one trialist, trained alongside five new staff members. The camp featured morning and afternoon training sessions, high-level gym work, recovery treatments, spa services, and daily tactical and team-building meetings led by department heads.

Coach Lior Zada emphasized the camp's focus on physical conditioning and team cohesion, as well as embedding the playing style the club intends to use this season. He acknowledged that the squad still lacks three to four key players and that the club is actively working to sign them as soon as possible. Despite the incomplete roster, Zada expressed satisfaction with the camp's progress and expects the team to show its style of play during the Toto Cup matches. He called for patience, assuring fans that the club will soon have a strong team.

The club also highlighted the excellent facilities at the Polish training site, noting its proximity to accommodations and comprehensive support services. Two friendly matches against Polish teams were held during the camp to aid preparation. The team returned to Israel via Ben Gurion Airport after the camp concluded.

Hapoel Jerusalem aims to build on this foundation as it enters the new season, with hopes of completing its squad and competing effectively in the Israeli Premier League.