Hapoel Be'er Sheva Coach Ran Kozuch Opens Up Ahead of Champions League Playoff

Ran Kozuch, head coach of Hapoel Be'er Sheva, shared an in-depth interview ahead of the club's Champions League playoff match against Azerbaijan's Sabah FC. Kozuch reflected on his journey from nearly quitting football to leading one of Israel's top teams, emphasizing his passion for the game that brought him back after a difficult period. He credited his early coaching experiences, particularly his collaboration with Almog Cohen at Netanya, as pivotal in shaping his coaching philosophy.

Kozuch expressed excitement and focus ahead of the upcoming match, acknowledging the challenges but confident in his team's preparation. He highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and dedication, stating that there is no "Plan B," only the need to refine their current approach. Kozuch also addressed his famous remark about Real Madrid, calling the club "a giant" and expressing admiration for the opportunity to face them.

Discussing his coaching style, Kozuch emphasized hard work, learning from both successes and failures, and the influence of various people in his life, including family. He noted the growth of Israeli football through the emergence of talented young coaches and improved professional staff. Kozuch concluded by saying the outcome of the playoff will only be clear at the end, stressing the need to overcome specific moments during the game and aiming to advance to the next stage.

The interview provides insight into Kozuch's mindset as he prepares for the biggest challenge of his career, highlighting his resilience, ambition, and commitment to elevating Israeli football on the European stage.