Hapoel Be'er Sheva Coach Kuzuch Reflects on Painful Champions League Loss and Future Goals

Hapoel Be'er Sheva suffered a heartbreaking defeat on August 25, 2026, losing 5-2 in extra time to Sabah and missing out on qualifying for the UEFA Champions League by just 40 seconds. Following the match, coach Ran Kuzuch spoke extensively with Sport Channel, expressing gratitude despite the loss and emphasizing the lessons learned from such moments. He acknowledged the club's proven ability to compete at high levels and expressed confidence that Be'er Sheva will return to fight for Champions League spots in the future.

Kuzuch highlighted the maturity shown by his players, noting that all substitutes requested to come off due to cramps, which he saw as a sign of professionalism. He admitted frustration over a red card received by player Eliel Peretz, calling it a critical turning point that should not have happened. The coach also explained his tactical shift to a 3-5-2 formation after substitutions, which he believed was effective despite the final result.

Despite the disappointment, Kuzuch stressed trust in his coaching staff and team, pointing out that every achievement came after setbacks. He mentioned the club's ongoing mission in the Europa League and the domestic league, where they will resume play soon. Kuzuch praised his players' efforts and the decisions made during the match, expressing optimism for better days ahead.

The coach also referenced an Israeli coach who lost a Champions League qualification over a single moment, drawing parallels to his own experience and reinforcing his belief that Be'er Sheva remains a strong contender on the European stage.