Maccabi Haifa considers new coach; Rafaelov prefers Omer Peretz, foreign candidate rejects offer

In depth

Maccabi Haifa continues to search for a new coach to replace Barak Bakhar. Club president Yaakov Shahar and sporting director Lior Rafaelov met at a restaurant in Tel Aviv to discuss the identity of the next coach, and the squad will return to training on Monday.

The sporting director prefers Omer Peretz, the Petah Tikva coach, and according to Idan Vered he is the most talented available in the market. The club tends toward a more experienced coach, and Haifa is also examining foreign coaches. Northern Irish coach Rory Higgins confirmed he was included on the list, but rejected the offer: the role does not attract him, and according to him it would require much more than money.

Others also commented on the process. Yohanan Rosso claimed Ivan Leko, currently coach of Club Brugge, was close to arriving at Carmel, while former coach Klinger believes Rafaelov should first coach for 3-4 years. In Haifa they continue working behind the scenes and hope to make progress with one of the candidates next week.