Maccabi Haifa Coach Barak Bachar Sees Progress After Toto Cup Win Over Tiberias

Maccabi Haifa secured their first victory in the Toto Cup on August 4, 2026, defeating Tiberias 4-2 following earlier losses to Hapoel Haifa and Kiryat Shmona. The win eased some pressure on the team and was seen as a sign of improvement by head coach Barak Bachar. After the match, Bachar acknowledged the progress but emphasized that the team is still far from where they need to be. He highlighted the importance of players regaining fitness and scoring goals, while noting that defensive work remains a collective responsibility.

Bachar also discussed the integration of new players Nigel Lonwijk and Noam Shtiefman, stressing that cohesion will develop through matches rather than training alone. He expressed confidence that once the full squad is available, the team will perform better as a unit. Regarding potential new signings, Bachar stated the club will assess needs as the season progresses and add players if deemed necessary. He described the current phase as building something new "on the move," acknowledging there is much to improve but valuing the lessons learned from recent games.

The coach also cautioned against underestimating opponents despite the win and rejected the expectation of dominating every match. Overall, Bachar's comments reflect a pragmatic approach focused on steady development and team chemistry as Maccabi Haifa prepares for the upcoming season.