Hapoel Tel Aviv fans were not at all surprised by the announcement that Kobi Yarafa had ended his career at the club and was replaced by Sloboden Drapich, who signed a two-year contract. No, the reason for this is not the weak start to the season and the embarrassing loss to the Ness Ziona section, but because the dismissal of the coach was written on all A wall in the Khodorov compound for many months.
The beginning of the crisis was even before the start of the season, towards the end of May.
Merova wanted Nimrod Kostica as his assistant, but the professional director, Omer Buxenbaum, decided to appoint Omer Demari to the position, against Merova's wishes.
It was an incomprehensible step, given the fact that all over the world it is the coach who decides who will work under him and not the professional manager.
Medicine did not hide his opposition, but unlike his habit he decided to swallow the frog, and later he would regret it.
Hapoel fans.
None of them were surprised, photo: Audi Citiat
In the eyes of many, this was the first point at which Hapoel Tel showed the coach the way out, and perhaps there were those who thought he would resign even then. Merova of course did not, although he understood the new balance of power in the team. Throughout the summer Merova signed several players, but here too Compromise on others that more suited the budget he received from the owner or Boxenbaum's requirements.
He wanted Ariel Harosh or Robbie Lebkovic in goal, but got Stefan Marinovic.
He accepted Antoine Conte, who arrived after the start of the season, although he had a list of three foreign stoppers he preferred.
Also in the striker position, the story repeated itself, when Alan Ozhbolt was signed, even though he was the coach's fourth option.
While Meriva was building a team, some of which were not acceptable to him, publications began to be published about his position in the group by journalists who are allegedly close to the owners, the brothers Sharon and Itzik Nisanov.
Medicine is affected by this.
In addition, as published yesterday on the "Israel Hayom" website, recently there was tension between the coach and Itzik Nisanov.
Ariel Harush.
Medicine wanted him at the gate, photo: Udi Tsitiat
A lot of work it
seems the end was known in advance to everyone.
Yareva met yesterday for ten minutes with Buxenbaum, who informed him of the termination of his position.
After that, the outgoing coach met with Sharon Nisanov and the two discussed the matter of the contract.
"I want us to part ways in an honorable way and remain friends," said Nisanov to Medicine, who is expected to receive his entire salary until the end of the season.
Today at noon, Idan Drapich, who signed a two-year contract, will be introduced at noon.
Drapich will hope to get a player or two boosted, but neither will be a senior player.
Amit Zanti, who played last season for Beitar Jerusalem, and has not yet found a team, may reach the standard of Osher Davida's replacement. Hapoel will also try to sign an Israeli midfielder, with the option of replacing goalkeeper Marinovich also on the table.
Zanti
A candidate to arrive, photo: Maor Alxalsi
Drapich has a lot to do.
He needs to work on tactical discipline, get some players back on track, connect with the fans, and of course start winning - already in the next round in two weeks against Hapoel Jerusalem.
were we wrong
We will fix it!
If you found an error in the article, we would appreciate it if you shared it with us
