Eli Ohana Criticizes Maccabi Tel Aviv Ownership and Team Strategy Amid Early Season Struggles

Eli Ohana, a sports commentator for Sport 5, sharply criticized Maccabi Tel Aviv following their 2-1 loss to Lugano in the Conference League playoff on August 20, 2026. Speaking from the press stand, Ohana expressed concern over the club's current direction, highlighting a perceived decline under owner Mitchell Goldhar. He noted that the team, which has historically competed strongly in Europe and domestically, appears to have lost its competitive edge, citing the lack of new signings and reliance on free agents as evidence.

Ohana pointed out that despite the season just starting, Maccabi Tel Aviv's squad features only three foreign players, a significant drop from previous years when they fought to retain eight. He criticized the club's recent transfer approach, mentioning the case of player Kanikovski, who was once part of the team but left due to insufficient investment. Ohana stated, "Something happened to Goldhar, he is not the same owner. No new signings have arrived yet, only free agents are being sought."

He also commented on the club's management instability, referencing a last-minute coaching appointment and a delayed arrival of a professional manager. Despite these issues, Ohana expressed cautious optimism about the new coach Ofek Melika, acknowledging he might make mistakes but emphasizing that Maccabi Tel Aviv, as a major club, will always compete for the championship. The team’s narrow loss to Lugano leaves the tie open ahead of the second leg next week.

Ohana’s remarks reflect broader concerns about Maccabi Tel Aviv’s ability to maintain its stature and competitiveness in Israeli and European football under current ownership and management conditions.