Maccabi Haifa's Defensive Woes Tied to Pierre Cornud's Absence
Maccabi Haifa is experiencing significant defensive struggles this season, conceding an average of 1.75 goals per game due to key player absences and departures. The club is relying on the eventual return of left-back Pierre Cornud, expected in about two months, to shore up the defense. Coach Barak Bakhar and manager Lior Refaelov decided against signing a new left-back, a decision that may prove critical. The team is currently experimenting with different defensive lineups, including moving players to unfamiliar positions.
הידיעה ב-6 שורות · תקציר של baba
- Maccabi Haifa's defense is among the league's weakest, averaging 1.75 goals conceded per game.
- The club is waiting for the return of left-back Pierre Cornud, expected in two months.
- Key defenders Abdelai Seck and Lisb Eisath departed the team before the season.
- Injuries have sidelined both left-backs, Pierre Cornud and Yinnon Feingzight.
- Coach Barak Bakhar and manager Lior Refaelov chose not to sign a replacement left-back.
- Eli Dasa and Yileh Betay are among players being experimented with in defensive roles.
Maccabi Haifa is struggling defensively this season, conceding an average of 1.75 goals per game in their first eight league matches, placing them among the league's weakest defenses. This statistic is a major concern for the club's management.
The team's defense has undergone significant changes since last season. Abdelai Seck departed after four seasons, Lisb Eisath was sold to Bristol City for 2.5 million euros, and a series of unfortunate injuries sidelined both left-backs, Pierre Cornud and Yinnon Feingzight, for extended periods.
This summer, Maccabi Haifa signed Nigel Lonwijk and Tsunami, who can play as a center-back or left-back. However, Tsunami's offensive contribution on the wing has been limited, and he has shared the position with Kenny Saief. Professional manager Lior Refaelov and coach Barak Bakhar opted not to sign another foreign or Israeli left-back, choosing instead to wait for Pierre Cornud's gradual return to fitness, with an estimated two-month recovery period.
The defense is considered the team's Achilles' heel. A recent tactical adjustment saw Eli Dasa play at right-back and Yileh Betay move to left-back against Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the second half. While Tsunami is expected to start at center-back alongside Lonwijk against Hapoel Tel Aviv, Saief and Betay are competing for the left-back spot, a position that is not natural for either player.
"The decision to wait for Cornud could prove critical. The player who arrived this summer has not yet justified the credit. Perhaps with Dasa, the defense will look better. Cornud is progressing well, but we also need to see how he returns from such a long absence," sources within the club commented.
מוזכרים
אותו אירוע, כפי שכל מערכת דיווחה עליו בנפרד. פתחו כמה דיווחים כדי להשוות מה כל מערכת מדגישה, ומה היא משאירה בחוץ.
מרכז 1אחרים 1
לא אותו אירוע: ידיעות אחרות שחולקות עם הידיעה הזו אנשים, מקומות או נושא. רקע, תגובות והמשכים.
