What’s Next? The Plans of Barak Bachar

Barak Bachar, the former coach of Maccabi Haifa, finds himself at a pivotal crossroads after a tumultuous season. Following an early exit from the second round of the league, where he was dismissed after a significant 5-1 loss in a derby match, he is now reevaluating his future.

Coaching Career in Transition

Bachar, who has celebrated six championships in the last decade in Israel, had initially signed a two-year contract with Maccabi Haifa, which promised him an annual salary of approximately 450,000 euros. Currently, there are no agreements regarding compensation, leaving the possibility that he could begin the upcoming season without a team for the first time in his coaching career.

Reflections on the Past Season

Disheartened by the recent season’s outcome, Bachar’s environment reflected his disappointment. He had hoped for a different trajectory and aimed for improvements during the summer. In light of recent events, he plans to take time for self-reflection and assess his next steps in the sport.

Future Opportunities

In the context of Israeli football, it is unlikely that Bachar will accept a position with another local team. The national team is not a viable option at this point, given that national coach Ran Ben-Shimon holds a contract through the end of the current campaign. The only potential local opportunity may arise if Maccabi Tel Aviv expresses interest, though they are currently focused on their own championship race and have not shown any desire to engage him.

Exploring International Options

Bachar does not rule out a second stint abroad. However, he is not inclined to return to countries like Serbia, where he had a brief stint with Red Star Belgrade, a tenure that included participation in the Champions League but did not culminate in a completed season. His agent plans to connect him with clubs in Belgian football, where several Israeli players and coach Guy Luzon have enjoyed successful tenures.

As Bachar contemplates his future, his successful track record within Israeli football positions him as a highly sought-after figure for teams seeking to enhance their coaching staff