Ozzy Neav

 

 

Ah… the bloody relegation wars. Never in sporting history have we witnessed such nail biting displays of disquiet and apprehension. Many football fans are actually far more interested in the occurrences at the bottom of the table than the race for the title at the top. With the Israeli domestic title apparently out of reach for most clubs, it would be perhaps prudent to divert our attention to the polar opposite of the league table. Though the Israeli Premier League is only in round 18, this is a time when clubs must start clawing and crawling their way out of the red zone. No club with any sanity prefers to wait until the seasons end to make their mad dash to safety.

Here is a look at the clubs currently involved in the Premier League relegation war. Remember, two clubs are relegated at the end of the season. 


Club: Maccabi Herzeliya

League Position: 8

Points: 19

Herzeliya coach Freddy David has done a rather remarkable job in over achieving with a squad many critics had ear marked for relegation at the beginning of the season. The addition of Ivan Vokomanovich during the transfer window has perhaps given Herzeliya the extra edge they need. Momentum is everything in football and David will probably be looking for his side to ride the wave after their recent 3-0 thrashing of Bene Shaknin.

Verdict: Herzeliya will have their moments, but the quality is just not there. Look for Freddy David to keep his club in the top league with a 10th place finish.
 

Club: Maccabi Tel Aviv

League Position: 9                                                                                                                 

Points: 15

How the mighty have fallen. The most prestigious team in Israel has floundered greatly this season and unlike recent seasons, their infamous late season runs to the middle of the table might not come to fruition. Maccabi is arguably fielding its worst lineup in recent memory. With too many inexperienced youngsters in critical positions and foreigners that have yet to display their potential, Maccabi would be advised to start behaving like a club fighting against relegation, rather than a big club that knows it’s just a matter of time before they place distance between themselves and the bottom.

Verdict: If this were any other club, I would bet the farm that relegation is an absolute certainty. Maccabi Tel Aviv however, is not just any other club. Their hoards of supporters and historic heritage will boost the determination and confidence of its players. Maccabi will conclude the season in 8th place.


Club: Hapoel Tel Aviv

League Position: 10

Points: 13

The Red Devils’ season has been disastrous from just about every aspect. From poor player acquisition in the summer, to dreadful chemistry between the squad and former head boss Guy Luzon. Since new head coach Eli Gootman has taken over, the situation has not improved as expected. With star players past their prime and a rumored gambling scandal that forced star striker Lior Asulin to seek greener pastures in Cyprus, Hapoel have become the disgrace of the IPL. A remarkable far cry from the club once considered to be the pride of Israeli Football in European competition.

Verdict: It will be a tough fight, but Hapoel do not have the weapons to survive the arduous IPL relegation battle. Walid Badir and Egal Antebi are too far past their prime and the young players are either unwilling or unable to get dirty to ensure their team’s survival. The Red Devils will finish 11th.


Club: Sport Club Ashdod

League Position: 11

Points: 13

Ashdod is by far the biggest underachiever in the IPL this year. Their position contradicts their squads’ potential. One problem can be attested to coach Alon Hazan’s on going dispute with the clubs board on surprisingly trivial matters. While there are those who are calling feverishly for Hazan’s head, he still possesses enough supporters in the Ashdod community to enjoy a relatively safe position.

Verdict: There are two simple reasons why Ashdod will not be relegated this year. The first reason is called Dimitar Ivanov. Ivanov is a new acquisition that cost Ashdod Chairman Jackie Ben-Zakin over a million Euros to import. While he did start off rather slowly, Ivanov has upped his game of late with clinical finishing and surprising speed that is quite uncommon for a big man. The other and more important reason is the family atmosphere enveloping the club. Many clubs can accurately blame their relegation woes on a poor home ground atmosphere and Ashdod does not appear to suffer from that ailment. Ashdod will live to fight another day and will finish in 9th.


Club: Bene Yehuda Tel Aviv

League Position: 12

Points: 12

The last team in the IPL and with very good reason; the Goldie’s crash to the basement was not viewed as a shocking event. Lacking fire power in almost every position, Bene Yehuda has been toying with relegation for well over a decade. They have eluded a tumble to the second division by will, faith and more than a bit of luck.

Verdict: Modern day football requires money and Bene Yehuda don’t have a penny under a sofa cushion. It’s sad because Bene Yehuda have become a staple team in the first division. They have heart, they have faith, but they just don’t have the resources. Bene Yehuda will finish last.