Maccabi Haifa waited eight years to qualify again for the European home stage.
When that happened, the Greens found themselves in the Conference League, the third factory in Europe, with second-tier teams and above such as Feyenoord, Union Berlin and Slavia Prague.
The club had an assessment of how far the European season could be carried, especially given the situation in the league, the long injury situation and the difficulty of keeping up with the existing players in two demanding settings.
"The league above all," clarified a source at the club, "no one 'gave up' on Europe, but there is an understanding that in order to be at home next season as well, we will have to have a good season in the league."
The first game against Feyenoord at home was the best example of this, especially in light of the decisions of coach Barak Bachar.
Three days for the meeting against Maccabi Tel Aviv, and in light of the load of games, Dolev Haziza, for example, remained on the bench. Muhammad Abu Fani, Charon Shari and Din David.
Barak Bachar.
After all, think only of victory, Photo: Alan Schieber
"This is our most tactical game since I coached Maccabi Haifa," admitted coach Barak Bachar.
Three days later, Bachar abandoned the three-brake system and Dolev Haziza returned to 11, although that did not help the result at Bloomfield.
There were similar dilemmas before the game in Berlin, as he was once again waiting for the champion in a difficult league game against Hapoel B'Shlosha.
"There will also be rotations tomorrow, because we still have a lot of games, but we will do everything to win," Bachar clarified ahead of the game against Slavia.
"The understanding is that it will be difficult to get out of the house," admitted the Green Club.
"In the game we will try to win. It is a revenue of half a million euros for every victory. There is an audience, prestige, but the balance of power is clear. In the league it is not like that."
Maccabi Haifa is perhaps the most successful club in Europe among Israelis.
Two appearances in the Champions League, three times in the home stage of the Europa League, reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup and the quarter-finals of the holding cup. This season there is an understanding that the chances of promotion are slim, especially in light of the rivalry.
Yaakov Shachar with Maccabi Haifa players at Ben Gurion Airport, Photo: Maccabi Haifa, official website
For the club's president, Yaakov Shachar, the European enterprise is no longer a framework.
The departure to Berlin made him fly for the first time with the team to a game abroad, and the team said that he was very excited about it.
For the audience, the immigration to the home and games stage in Europe is a top value.
There is no rotation, and almost 3,000 fans have secured their place in the game against Slavia Prague, which will be held in the Czech Republic in about two weeks.
More than 20,000 people were in the home game against Feyenoord, and also tonight against the Czech champion.
At the same time, from conversations within the club, the understanding is that in light of the tumultuous years in Europe, they will now have to build things step by step.
This year's immigration is worth ranking points, and each point at home will advance the team in the coming years, also in terms of lotteries.
Will Menachem get a rest?
Haifa, as mentioned, will host Slavia tonight, knowing that only a victory will leave them a real chance to compete for one of the first two places at home, despite the difficulty.
"We know we have one point at home and no goals," clarified coach Barak Bachar, who added: "We want to take the victory in the league and leverage it."
Noble Omar, expected to open, Photo: Danny Maron
Noble Omar and Goodswe Donio practiced at 11 and are expected to open.
At the back, Bachar is debating whether to give rest to San Menachem, who has played more than 20 games so far in all competitions.
In the link, Jose Rodriguez and Ali Muhammad will open, with Muhammad Abu Fani on the bench.