Major Changes at Maccabi Haifa Following Derby Defeat

Coaching Departures

Maccabi Haifa has officially announced the termination of head coach Barak Bachar and assistant coach Gal Alberman. This decision comes in the aftermath of a substantial 5-1 defeat to their local rivals, sending shockwaves throughout the club.

Expert Commentary

In response to this seismic shift, sports commentator Itzik Aharonovich spoke on 102FM’s sports program, hosted by Gidi Lipkin and Assi Maman. Aharonovich noted that he was start of the first to foresee this outcome, reflecting on his previous assertions about Bachar’s potential departure. “If you think I take pride in Bachar leaving because I suggested it early on, then you misunderstand me. There’s no pride here,” he stated.

Performance Reflection

Aharonovich expressed his concerns regarding Bachar’s recent performance, emphasizing that just two years ago he led the team to championships. However, he pointed out Bachar’s unsuccessful stint in Serbia, where he returned prematurely. “He was overly confident,” Aharonovich commented.

Future Coaching Decisions

When asked who he believes should take the helm at Maccabi Haifa, Aharonovich advocated for a coach who possesses multiple competencies. “Maccabi Haifa doesn’t need just a coach; it needs a remedy,” he explained, insisting that the club requires a figure who can serve as a manager, a technical director, and a mental coach.

Speculations on Candidates

Mentioning his discussions with Aliniv Barda, a former coach of Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Aharonovich revealed that Barda had expressed a lack of interest in joining Maccabi Haifa. “Why? I didn’t delve into it,” he noted.

Despite speculation, Aharonovich remains adamant that the club needs a strong leader. He hinted that while former coach Avraham Grant may be a candidate, he believes Grant’s return depends largely on what Maccabi Haifa desires: “If they want him to coach, he will return,” he said.

Conclusion

The recent changes at Maccabi Haifa signal a significant shift for the club, and the search for new leadership continues amidst discussions of possible candidates. The coming weeks will be pivotal for the team’s future direction and aspirations as they seek to regain their competitive edge