Hapoel Jerusalem appoints Sasha Obradovic as new head coach

Hapoel Jerusalem announced on Monday that Sasha Obradovic has signed as the club’s new coach on a two-year deal with an option for a third season. The 57-year-old Serbian had already reached terms about a week earlier, after leaving Crvena zvezda Belgrade. According to previous reporting cited by the article, Jerusalem moved for him once it became clear he would not stay in Belgrade, offering him about $700,000 per season.

Obradovic said he was “very happy” to join Hapoel Jerusalem, explaining that he chose the club because he was impressed by its vision, standards and ambitions. He said he believes “in the big future” ahead and wants to build “a strong, quality, talented and fighting team” that can compete for every title. He also said he is looking forward to arriving in Israel and meeting the fans, whom he described as a major part of the club’s identity.

The agreement also sets the size of Obradovic’s staff at three assistants, with one expected to be Boris Pašćan, who worked with him at Crvena zvezda. The sides also agreed to a significant increase in the player budget compared with last season. Reports from Europe say Obradovic has already begun shaping the roster in Jerusalem.

One target is Hapoel Tel Aviv guard Yam Madar, for whom Jerusalem reportedly plans a three-year offer worth more than $1 million per season. Madar received a more lucrative offer from Hapoel Tel Aviv on Sunday, 8 million shekels over three years, but he is said to be considering a move because he has seen limited minutes under Dimitris Itoudis.