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 after suffering losses to Hapoel Haifa and Kiryat Shmona. The win eased some pressure on the team and their coach, Barak Bachar, who acknowledged improvements but emphasized that the team is still far from where it needs to be.

Bachar highlighted the importance of winning after two disappointing defeats and noted that while the team showed progress in several areas, there are still many aspects to correct. He stressed the need for players to regain fitness and for the team to score more goals. Bachar also mentioned that the defensive performance is a collective responsibility and that the team is building something new gradually.

Regarding new players Nigel Lonwijk and Noam Shteifman, Bachar said that the team needs to develop chemistry through matches rather than just training. He expects the squad to gel better as more players return and gain confidence. On potential transfers, Bachar stated that the club will consider adding players if it becomes clear they are needed, learning from ongoing games to identify gaps.

The coach concluded by rejecting any complacency despite the win, emphasizing continuous work and improvement as the team moves forward in the season.