Berkovic Says Maccabi Haifa Players Disgraced the Club and Urges Dor Peretz to Leave Israel

In an interview on 103FM, Eyal Berkovic said Maccabi Haifa should have released most of its squad after what he called a shameful season. He argued that the club's players “disgraced the dignity of the club” and finished so far from first place that he could not remember such a case in a long time. On Dolev Haziza's departure, he said there was no problem with telling him he would not continue, because “this is Maccabi Haifa” and it can sign whoever it wants.

Berkovic also addressed one of the summer's biggest issues, the future of Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Dor Peretz. He said the question was not money, but whether Peretz should stay in Israel or move to Europe. Berkovic strongly recommended leaving, saying Peretz has more experience now, is calmer, and would succeed more abroad. He warned that Israeli crowds forget quickly and that if Peretz does not score next season, fans could boo him. He said Peretz has already done everything in Israeli football, including winning Player of the Season and finishing as top scorer, and named possible options such as Croatia's champion, Greece's champion, a strong team in the Netherlands or Belgium, or even a second-division club in England.

He also said Maccabi Tel Aviv's decision to prefer Kenny Miller over Barak Itzhaki should be respected, because owner Mitch Goldhar does not want an Israeli coach. Berkovic added that while Itzhaki is a good coach, Goldhar's decision must be accepted. He criticized Maccabi Tel Aviv's professional management since Jordi Cruyff left, saying the club starts preparations late every year.

On Beitar Jerusalem's choice to appoint Almog Cohen as coach, Berkovic called it a mistake, saying Cohen was a sporting director and would quickly face boos after two losses. He also said it was natural and good that Ran Kozuch stayed on at Hapoel Be'er Sheva.