Heartbreak for Hapoel Be’er Sheva Despite Dominant Win
Hapoel Be’er Sheva secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Hapoel Haifa on Saturday evening; however, the team was unable to claim the league title due to a simultaneous victory by Maccabi Tel Aviv over Beitar Jerusalem. With the championship out of reach, Hapoel Be’er Sheva is now focused on the upcoming State Cup final scheduled for Thursday.
Coach Koushūk’s Reflections on the Season
Following the match, Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s coach, Ran Koushūk, extended his congratulations to Maccabi Tel Aviv for their championship win. “This is a painful ending, no doubt about it, and it’s disappointing, but I am very proud,” he stated. Koushūk emphasized the importance of the team’s performance throughout the season, stating, “What we saw today represents who we are as a team. We are a group that focuses solely on our own performance, not on what happens elsewhere.”
Koushūk acknowledged the challenges faced during the season and the learning experiences gleaned. “I knew it would not be easy, and we would encounter many obstacles along the way. If I didn’t believe we could reach this position, I wouldn’t have come to Hapoel Be’er Sheva,” he added, expressing optimism for the next season. “We will ensure we make a serious effort to claim the title next year.”
Areas for Improvement
Reflecting on the season, Koushūk pointed out key moments that could have changed the outcome, saying, “There were many instances where I felt things slipped away from us. We tried to fight until the end, but we weren’t good enough to make it happen. We lacked a bit of maturity.” He highlighted specific matches, such as a missed opportunity leading against Maccabi Netanya, as areas needing improvement moving forward. Koushūk expressed hope for growth, stating, “We need to gain more readiness and quality.”
The coach also underscored the dedication shown by the team in their playstyle. “The players demonstrated what Hapoel Be’er Sheva is about-playing our football regardless of what’s happening elsewhere-this commitment makes me incredibly proud as a coach.”
Looking Ahead
As Hapoel Be’er Sheva prepares for the upcoming season, Koushūk acknowledged the need for roster adjustments. “We will need to modify the squad slightly ahead of the next season and learn from this year,” he concluded.
In closing, Koushūk noted, “I try not to be too exposed to outside noise. When I am, I know how to put it in its place. I respect all opinions and value those who challenged me from the start, but I am clear about what I want to achieve. The path is filled with difficulties, but I know exactly what I want to create, and that’s where my focus lies.