Maccabi Haifa Coach Admits Team 'Fell Apart' in Stunning 5-2 Loss

Maccabi Haifa suffered a significant blow on Monday, losing 5-2 to the reigning champions at Sammy Ofer Stadium despite entering the match on a five-game winning streak and atop the Israeli Premier League standings. The team conceded five goals in the second half, a stark contrast to a solid first half and a promising start to the second.

Coach Barak Bakhar described the defeat as a "slap in the face" and a test the team failed, stating, "We fell apart, the game ended within ten minutes." He attributed the collapse to mistakes and a red card that effectively ended the contest. "We had expectations, and so did the fans. This was a big test for us, but apparently, we are not there yet," Bakhar remarked, acknowledging that the team needs to regain its previous form.

Bakhar felt the team was performing better than the final score indicated until the breakdown. "We prepared well and came ready. We got an opportunity to show that we are there, but apparently, we are not there yet," he said. He admitted that Maccabi Haifa "helped Beersheba look great" by making numerous errors, allowing the strong opponent to capitalize.

Notably, Maccabi Haifa conceded two goals from set pieces, the first such instances this season, which surprised Bakhar given the team's strength in this area with players like Andrea Novkovic and Tsunami. "It's frustrating that precisely from our strength, we conceded two goals from set pieces," he stated.

Looking ahead, Bakhar sees an opportunity for redemption in the next match against a strong home team. "We have an opportunity next week to play against perhaps the most home-team oriented team in recent years in the league. Perhaps a good challenge and an opportunity to show that we can do it. We look forward, there's nothing else to do," he concluded.