Israel National Team Plans Major Changes Ahead of Kosovo Clash
Following a brutal day after a heavy defeat, the Israel national team in Debrecen aims to bounce back as coach Ran Ben Shimon plans major lineup changes ahead of the upcoming match against Kosovo.
Following what the national team camp in Debrecen described as a very difficult day for all players, the Israel national team aims to bounce back on Tuesday and begin preparations for Thursday night's match against Kosovo. One of the players remarked that they had rarely suffered so much from football, noting that the humiliation on the pitch extended into a long, grueling day where nobody smiled or enjoyed themselves.
Coach Ran Ben Shimon, who sought the strength to lift his players, is planning numerous changes to the lineup, including a potential overhaul affecting at least half the team. Players like Eitan Azoulay and Ilay Feingold are candidates to start, Dor Peretz is guaranteed a spot after coming on at halftime, and Eli Dasa could make his first start of this UEFA Nations League campaign. Tai Abed, who missed previous minutes due to injury, has recovered and is also in contention.
Team representatives acknowledged that no player's spot is completely secure at this moment. Israel Football Association Chairman Shino Zuaretz stayed close to the players to show his support ahead of the different challenge against Kosovo, demanding greater dedication, spirit, and a major shift in attitude.
Previously, Israel faced Kosovo in an earlier qualifying campaign, drawing at Bloomfield Stadium when matches could still be hosted in Israel and losing away in Pristina.
