Roni Levy Returns to Maccabi Netanya for a New Chapter

Roni Levy, a seasstartd coach at 59 years old, has officially returned to Maccabi Netanya, marking a significant homecoming for the football icon. His signing on Wednesday revives his ties to the club where he previously served both as a player and a coach, bringing a deep sense of nostalgia and familiarity to his new role.

A Familiar Environment

Levy’s return to Netanya comes 11 years after his last tenure as head coach, with the previous appointment occurring on the same date, January 14. Furthermore, it has been nearly 33 years since he last played for the team. Many traditional figures in the club, including long-time staff member Adi Gufda and storied team manager Gabi Bublil, remain familiar faces, adding to the sense of comfort as Levy steps back into a place he knows well.

During his first team assembly, Levy emphasized to his players, “Netanya, for me, is not just another place.” His immediate focus is to instill a strong foundation in the team’s gameplay, particularly as the club navigates start of its most turbulent weeks following the dismissal of former coach Yossi Abukasis.

Strategic Coaching Approach

Levy is already establishing his tactical philosophy, advocating for a 4-3-3 formation aimed at strengthening the team’s midfield. His approach is centered on minimizing the defensive lapses that have plagued Netanya in previous matches. Emphasizing the importance of movement, Levy stated that it does not matter a player’s name, age, or nationality; what matters is performance and effort on the field.

In his initial training sessions, he utilized examples from Arsenal’s attacking strategies to illustrate his points. Notably, he referenced Bukayo Saka’s dual role in offense and defense, encouraging his players to adopt a similar work ethic: “If he can do it, so can all of you.”

Player Dynamics and Integration

Levy’s arrival also brings potential opportunities for players who previously found themselves on the fringes of the squad, such as Lucas Praizo and Sahar Taghi. He believes in maintaining a structured environment where every player is assigned a specific role. This methodological approach might see Praizo, who was not previously considered a primary option, starting in the upcoming match against Sakhnin.

Taghi, who was poised to transition to another team, may now find himself reintegrated into Levy’s plans, following positive interactions with the coach. In the initial days of his tenure, Levy has made a concerted effort to understand his players, analyzing past games to prepare adequately for what lies ahead.

Future Prospects and Squad Changes

Looking forward, Levy is expected to enhance the team’s roster with at least three new signings, including a defender. However, the final positions and player roles will largely depend on the recovery of Matheus Dabo. A strong start is crucial, especially with a challenging match against his former club, Maccabi Haifa, on the horizon.

Historically, Levy kicked off his previous stint at Netanya with a 2-0 victory over Bnei Sakhnin. Given the current defensive struggles faced by Netanya, he would welcome even a narrow win this time around.

As Levy embarks on this new chapter with Maccabi Netanya, he aims to create a solid foundation for the team and rekindle the spirit of the club he holds dear.