Maccabi Haifa Faces Crisis as Season Preparation Ends in Chaos

Maccabi Haifa concluded its preseason on August 17, 2026, with a deeply troubling outlook, marked by three losses in five games and a lack of consistent improvement or clear strategy. The team appears poorly coached, with chaotic defensive organization and minimal offensive threat, exemplified by striker Silva Cani’s isolation and frustration on the field. Despite some talented players like Shahar, Rafaelov, and Ovadia, the club’s systemic failures and poor management at the top have led to a prolonged decline.

Head coach Barak Bachar, once celebrated as one of Israel’s greatest coaches, is now under intense scrutiny due to his poor performance since returning from Red Star Belgrade. Bachar himself acknowledged in a recent interview that some players need time to adapt, but critics question how much time remains given the team’s dire situation. The next two matches are seen as critical for Bachar’s career and standing among Israeli coaches.

Player performances have been uneven, with only Broninio and Eitan Azulai standing out positively. Foreign players like Nigel Lonwijk have shown flashes of promise but struggle with instability and constant tactical changes. The club’s failure to learn from last season’s disaster is evident, as it has not made the drastic roster changes needed, leaving injured key players like Manuel Benson and Pedro as liabilities.

Maccabi Haifa’s management is criticized for wasting valuable foreign player slots and failing to act proactively, instead reacting to crises late. The club’s record of three championships in 15 years, despite a large budget, is seen as underwhelming. The upcoming league opener against Hapoel Ramat Gan is viewed as a pivotal moment for the club’s future, with hopes that the team and management will finally take decisive action to reverse the downward trend.

Despite the bleak situation, Benson’s injury might offer an opportunity to strengthen weak areas in midfield and attack. The club faces urgent decisions on coaching and transfers to avoid further damage. The season’s start on Saturday carries high stakes for Maccabi Haifa’s survival and ambitions.