Hapoel Be'er Sheva Coach Kozuch Emphasizes Team Strengthening After Champions League Qualification
Hapoel Be'er Sheva secured advancement to the next stage of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers after defeating Icelandic club Vikingur 2-0 on July 29, 2026, resulting in a 3-2 aggregate victory. This win guarantees the team a European campaign this season, a milestone celebrated by head coach Ran Kozuch.
Following the match, Kozuch expressed pride in his players and gratitude for the club's support system, including the players' families. He highlighted the team's physical effort, noting they ran over 122 kilometers in the previous game, a demanding feat especially during the preseason phase. Kozuch acknowledged ongoing challenges in building and improving the squad, some changes being forced upon them, but emphasized their commitment to developing a strong team.
Regarding the match, Kozuch described calming the players at halftime and sticking to their game plan, which eventually wore down the Icelandic side. He also addressed the recent departure of Kings Kangwa, stating the club must strengthen further to meet higher ambitions, especially ahead of upcoming tough opponents like Red Star Belgrade in the Conference League.
Kozuch called for greater fan support, recognizing the pressure on the players and staff. He praised the over 200 fans who attended the match and stressed that the club's strength lies in the unity of players, staff, management, and supporters. He concluded with optimism about the season ahead and the surprises they hope to deliver.
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