Upcoming Matches Will Decide Barak Bachar's Future at Maccabi Haifa

Moti Ivoneer, a sports analyst on 103fm, discussed the challenges facing Maccabi Haifa ahead of the new season, following their 1-0 loss to Bnei Sakhnin. He criticized the club for even debating whether they will qualify for the top playoff just a week before the season starts, calling it a disgrace for a club of Haifa's stature. Ivoneer noted that while the team is beginning to gel, it remains far from where it needs to be, lacking a strong and aggressive midfield. He also expressed confusion over the limited use of player Guy Melamed, who has scored when given chances.

Regarding coach Barak Bachar, Ivoneer said he is under significant pressure during a difficult phase of his career, as the team's performance is not meeting expectations. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining Bachar's future after a period of stagnation over the past year or two.

Ivoneer also commented on Maccabi Tel Aviv's recent 3-0 defeat to CSKA Sofia, highlighting poor decisions by coach Kenny Miller, including a flawed lineup that was only corrected in the second half. He criticized the club's management for failing to prepare adequately for the departures of key players Roy Revivo and Asante, despite knowing about their intentions to leave for over a year. Ivoneer emphasized that a big club should have ready replacements and scouting plans in place well before the season starts.

He pointed out the lack of depth in Maccabi Tel Aviv's squad, questioning how the team will cope if they sign another striker like Said Abu Farhi, potentially leaving them with only one forward. Ivoneer also noted that players like Atniel, Kalo, and Muzi, who recently sat on the bench for Beitar Jerusalem, would have started for Maccabi Tel Aviv, underscoring the club's current weakness. He concluded that based on the season's start, teams like Beitar Jerusalem, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, and Hapoel Tel Aviv appear stronger than Maccabi Tel Aviv at this point.