Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Crisis After Conference League Playoff Loss to Lugano

Maccabi Tel Aviv is grappling with disappointment and concern following their 2-1 defeat to Swiss side Lugano in the first leg of the Conference League playoffs on Thursday. Players openly criticized the club's management for signing only one player this summer, with one player lamenting the lack of reinforcements and highlighting that Roy Revivo remains the only key player willing to save the team, despite wanting to leave. This has fueled fears of another mediocre season, even in the Israeli Premier League.

The club's European campaign has been underwhelming, having been eliminated by a weak CSKA Sofia in the Europa League qualifiers and only advancing past Sheriff Tiraspol so far. The Swiss league's decline was underscored by the heavy 7-0 defeat of Swiss champions Thun by Lech Poznan, alongside other Swiss teams' losses in European competitions. Maccabi officials stressed the importance of at least reaching the Conference League group stage, calling failure a "catastrophe," but expressed confidence in overturning the deficit in the return leg in Batumi.

Fans have also expressed frustration on social media over the club's summer transfer inactivity. Notably, Gabi Kanikovsky’s agent clarified that no negotiations are underway with Maccabi, and the Hungarian club Ferencváros confirmed they have received no inquiries. Maccabi’s only summer signing, striker Astrit Sulejmani, showed a mediocre performance in Switzerland, while midfielder Said Abu Freih is awaiting a move to the US. The club plans to add two foreign players soon.

Coach Kenny Miller made only two substitutions during the match, replacing underperforming players, but was criticized by players for lacking options. Dan Glazer did not play at all, while Roy Revivo again stood out and is actively seeking a transfer abroad before the European window closes. Miller described the game as tough, with Lugano aggressive in the first half, but praised his team’s improved second-half performance and chances created. He acknowledged the disappointment of conceding a penalty but remains optimistic about the second leg, emphasizing the need for more creativity and goal-scoring opportunities.

Maccabi Tel Aviv will open their Israeli Premier League season against Hapoel Jerusalem soon, still facing uncertainty over squad reinforcements and European survival.