With a new look, new coach, Beitar Jerusalem is raising the bar

In order to ensure that brand-new coach Almog Cohen and his charges will be in tip-top shape for the campaign ahead, the yellow-and-black is heading to Pravets, Bulgaria, for an intense training camp that will run from July 1-10.

Just before Beitar headed abroad, a number of players, including captain Yarden Shua, Timoti Muzie and Yarden Cohen, spoke about the season ahead after having finished in second place last campaign and also replacing Barak Itzhaki on the sidelines with their former sports director.

“It’s exciting, and it’s always great to start a new season, especially after what we accomplished last year,” Shua began. “It’s nice that people look at us a little differently now, and I think Beitar will show even more of what we’re capable of. But it’s a long season. You never know exactly how it’s going to unfold, but we always aim to finish first in everything we compete in. Personally, I always want to improve my numbers and increase what I can contribute to the team, and I believe I’ll do that.”

Yarden Cohen is also looking forward to the new season and wants to take the next step.

“There’s definitely a lot of excitement. I think we had a fantastic season last year, but we were still missing something. This season, I want us to achieve what we fell short of last year.”

“We’ll understand the full significance over time, but of course we’re very happy about it,” said Muzie. “Beitar wanted to take this independent path, and that’s part of the process the club is going through. But it’s really amazing. It’s really exciting to see how the club is developing, from the small things to the big things.”

With a new head coach on the sidelines, there are also greater expectations; and while it may be a bit upsetting after a terrific season, changing coaches in today’s day and age is normal. “Look, it’s disappointing,” lamented Shua. “When a coach leaves after we’ve achieved so many good things together in one season, it’s never easy. But that’s football. Coaches come and go, players come and go. I wish Barak the best of luck going forward, and I also wish Almog the best. It’s his first season as a head coach, and I’m sure he’ll do an excellent job.”

Cohen had a fantastic season last year as he became the starting left back for Beitar and also was selected to be a part of the Israel National Team. Much of that was due to Itzhaki believing in him and his abilities.

“Barak and I had a wonderful season together. He’s an outstanding coach. It was a bit of a surprise, but now we’re with Almog, we’re looking ahead, and we’re moving forward. Just like every player is different, every coach is different too. Each one brings his own philosophy. Little by little, we’ll get to know him better as a coach and see what he’s all about. As for my continuing improvement, like I always say, what happened in the past is never enough. I always want to keep learning, improving and doing even better than I did the previous season.”

Of course, the big question that is on everyone’s minds is what Beitar’s goals are and whether it can finish atop the league table at the end of the season.

“We’ve brought in new players, and we have a new coach as well,” Cohen added. “We’re all getting to know each other, and I believe everything will come together gradually, during training camp and through the matches. It’ll be fine... Can this team win championships this season? Absolutely.”