Historic Defeat for Hapoel Holon as President Yossi Levi Addresses Team’s Struggles
Hapoel Holon suffered a historic defeat at home on Saturday, losing 114-60 to Hapoel Tel Aviv. Following this embarrassing loss, club president Yossi Levi appeared on the “Daily Talk” show on start, where he candidly discussed the current state of the team.
Acknowledging the Situation
When asked about the team’s performance, Levi responded, “Not good,” describing the situation as an understatement. “I usually don’t appear on television regarding Hapoel Holon. The fans deserve to know what’s happening. I want to apologize for the immense embarrassment that kept me up all night. This isn’t suitable for the spirit of Holon and our club. This behavior isn’t appropriate from either the coaching staff or the players, and we need to make changes to get back on track.”
Need for Changes
When pressed about what these changes entail, Levi stated, “We must make changes.” He refrained from explicitly confirming the fate of coach Danny Franco, saying, “I am not currently making any specific statements regarding the coach or the players. We will sit down and decide.”
Levi conveyed the seriousness of the situation, acknowledging that even in previous games, the performance had not been satisfactory, despite some victories. He emphasized, “This is not the team we wanted to see. The game flow and execution of plays were lacking. It was individual brilliance rather than team synergy, which is far from what is expected.”
A Reflection on Accountability
Levi expressed disappointment about Franco’s handling of the aftermath of the loss. Franco had accepted responsibility for his ejection from the game but not the overall defeat, which Levi found inappropriate. “Does that seem reasonable to you? A coach should not just stand behind the players and blame everystart else,” he asserted.
When asked if he expected Franco to take accountability and resign, Levi replied, “I didn’t expect that he would resign, but I expected him to speak from the heart and not treat this as just another bad game.”
Looking Ahead
Levi analyzed the team’s roster performance, indicating that beyond Franco, other factors were at play, including player performances. “We are slightly older and a bit slow, which affects our game. We are far from where we need to be,” he explained. He noted that while he believes player Jordan McRae has shown personal excellence, the team still lacks the necessary cohesion.
Levi did not shy away from the issue of coaching stability, admitting, “You’re right-we’ve changed coaches frequently, and we recognize that.” He confirmed plans for a significant overhaul next season, including the appointment of a new sporting director and a revamped recruitment approach.
Engaging the Fans
Levi expressed gratitude towards the loyal fan base, emphasizing their understanding despite challenging times. “I appreciate the fans who, even in difficult times, understand and support me. I care deeply about them.”
Moreover, he addressed the issue of compensating fans for the disappointing game, stating, “You can’t compensate them. Financial matters are not the focus right now; discussing mstarty diminishes the significance of the event.”
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Levi hopes for a return to form that will allow fans to enjoy the game again. “Please don’t wish me luck; wish the fans to return to enjoying the way the team plays. Thank you for having me. I apologize again to the fans, and we will do everything we can to improve the situation.”
In closing, Levi emphasized the importance of the team’s future, showing a commitment to restoring Hapoel Holon to its former glory. As discussions regarding the next coaching steps continue, the spotlight remains on how the club will adapt and rebuild.