Diego Flores to Debut as Head Coach of Maccabi Haifa

Maccabi Haifa Prepares for First Friendly Match

Diego Flores, the newly appointed head coach of Maccabi Haifa, is set to make his official debut on the sidelines as the team faces Hungarian club Kisvárda Honvéd in their first pre-season friendly. The match will take place at 19:30 Israel time. Despite Kisvárda being a team from a lower league, Maccabi Haifa is determined to approach the game with focus and aim for a successful start to Flores’s tenure.

Defensive Challenges for the Coach

In the lead-up to this match, Flores faces challenges in the defensive lineup. Key defender Abdoulaye Seck is only scheduled to arrive in Hungary later today after receiving permission to delay his arrival to sort out his visa extensions from Senegal. Meanwhile, Shon Goldberg recently returned to full training after a long injury layoff, and Flores has opted to ease him back into match fitness without risking his readiness.

Consequently, Flores will have limited options in central defense, with Lisab Isa’at poised to make his debut for the senior team. Additionally, goalkeeper Giorgi Yarmakov, who has impressed during early training sessions, is expected to start in goal. Sherif Kayouf, who previously held the starting keeper role, will now face the challenge of adjusting to the team’s new dynamic as a backup.

New Faces and Tactical Rotation

The upcoming match not only marks Flores’s debut but will also see Goni Naor making a return as a defensive midfielder, and Pierre Korona is slated to appear as the left-back. To evaluate the squad effectively, Flores plans to implement widespread player rotations, allowing most of the team members to gain valuable playing time.

The squad will be missing new winger Kenji Gora, who is expected to join the training camp later this evening.

Ongoing Recruitment Efforts

As preparations for the upcoming season continue, Maccabi Haifa is actively in discussions and searching for additional talent, specifically a right-back and a foreign striker, to enhance their competitive edge.

Fan Engagement and Ticket Sales

In positive news for the club, Maccabi Haifa has seen significant support from its fanbase, with over 20,500 season tickets sold well ahead of the league’s opening match. This enthusiasm indicates a strong backing for the team as they enter a new chapter under Coach Flores