Hapoel Tel Aviv Prepares for Atalanta Clash with Key Squad Reinforcements Needed

Hapoel Tel Aviv successfully advanced through the Conference League qualifiers against Ludogorets and Katowice, and after surviving dramatic moments en route to the Toto Cup final, the team is set to face Atalanta in Bergamo on Thursday at 19:30 in the first leg of the Conference League playoffs. In the "Zion 3" program, analysts reviewed Hapoel's performance, coach Eliniv Breda's work, and the areas where the team still requires strengthening.

Eitan Leshem praised Hapoel's play against Katowice, noting the team was superior in three halves of the match and played better football. He acknowledged a shift in perception about Breda, highlighting that since the start of the season, Hapoel has played excellent football, especially against teams that press aggressively, which suits Breda's style. However, Leshem criticized Breda's game management, pointing out the questionable decision to field Shanda Silva, a player described as "literally with one foot on the plane," despite Silva scoring against Maccabi Haifa.

The discussion then turned to the playoff draw, with some expressing disappointment over the tough matchup against Atalanta, while others remained optimistic about Hapoel's chances. Regarding squad depth, it was emphasized that Hapoel needs additional players, particularly a backup left defender, a defensive midfielder for rotation, and a foreign substitute for Shanda Silva. Leshem mentioned having players like Roy Korin, Owusu, Alcokin, and Dapa on the bench but hopes the club will bring in reinforcements to strengthen the squad further.