Ozzy Neav
Any drastic change in a community or society requires a pioneer of sorts. For many Israeli fans, Avi Cohen is considered the pioneer of Israeli football in Europe. His jaw dropping transfer to Liverpool in 1979 was the stepping stone that still ripples today in Israeli aspirations for sports abroad. Somewhat forgotten by the unbeatable foe of time, Cohen’s legendary status only grows more mythical and inspiring as the years go by.
The Early Years
Avi Cohen was born in Tel Aviv in 1956 and began to hone his football craft at the Maccabi youth academy. Playing primarily in the left back position, Cohen not only displayed his excellent technical and tactical brilliance defensively, but attacking prowess as well. In fact, he was so proficient at joining his attacking teammates that he would eventually grab the Israeli golden boot for most goals during a season; an unheard of achievement for defensive player in professional football. Cohen is considered the father of Maccabi Tel Aviv football by many fans and critics, and his professional attitude and dedication to the club is the benchmark by which all Maccabi players are judged.
The Move To Liverpool
Mother Nature was not in a forgiving mood in 1978 and the travelers at Heathrow Airport were resigned to their fate of boredom and idleness while they waited for their delayed flights. One of these travelers was a young Israeli reporter named Pini Zehavi, but unlike his fellow travelers, Zehavi was anything but idle. Zehavi “bumped in” to another stranded traveler named Peter Robinson. Robinson, vice-chairman of Liverpool in those days, asked Zehavi if he knew of any potential signings for his team. Zehavi responded, “Why do you not look at a good Israeli player, Avi Cohen?" The rest of course, is history.
The Bad, Good Old Days
For those who fail to understand the magnitude of Cohen’s move to Liverpool, understand that the pervious over-seas signing by The Reds was South African goalkeeper Robert Rudham in the mid 1950s. Cohen contributed almost immediately on the pitch and actually scored the go ahead goal against Aston Villa; a win that would eventually clinch the League Championship that year for Liverpool. Sadly, the rest of Cohen’s tenure with The Reds was largely disappointing. Bob Paisley, Liverpool legend and former boss, preferred Alan Kennedy at left back over Cohen. When Kennedy was sidelined with an injury, another Liverpool left back by the name of Richard Money out performed Cohen and won the position. With Kennedy’s return, Cohen found himself third on the depth chart which signaled the end to his professional relationship with The Reds. Cohen made a total of 18 appearances for Liverpool before heading back to Israel.
Life After Liverpool
Avi Cohen returned to Israel and capped his stellar career with Israeli side Maccabi Netanya. He did enjoy another run at European football in 1987 when Rangers manager and former Liverpool team mate Graeme Souness invited him to play in Glasgow. Cohen ended his football career with three goals in 52 caps for the Israeli National Team. Perhaps Cohen’s greatest accolade is that he is the first Israeli to ever play in The Champions Cup. (Now called The Champions League)
Life After Football
Never one to actively seek glory and notoriety, Cohen has disappeared from the media spotlight. While he did coach Israeli sides Hapoel Kfar Saba and Hapoel Ashkelon with some success, Cohen has maneuvered into more of a business and administrative role with the Israeli Professional Footballers Association where he has obtained the position of Chairman. Cohen has made some headlines recently with the collapse of referee Soel Dahud because of heart failure in a veterans match. Cohen voiced his distaste with the National Association and Officials Union in the unfortunate affair. While Cohen’s official ties with Liverpool have long since been severed, his life has inevitably run parallel with the club on several ocassions.
His son Tamir, who recently signed with Premiership side Bolton, netted his first goal against his father’s former club. It has been rumored that current Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun sought Cohen’s blessing before making his way north from Upton Park. Cohen also criticised UEFA when European football’s governing body decided that the Champions League qualifier between Liverpool and Maccabi Haifa should be held on neutral grounds because of security concerns. Cohen was one of the few to openly criticise UEFA when he said, “It is unfair because they (UEFA) reduce the chances of Maccabi Haifa or any team in Israel to qualify. Liverpool is strong (at home) but away they are not so strong so they give Liverpool an advantage.”
It is sad and perhaps unjust that most Israeli football critics do not give Avi Cohen the respect he deserves. While he was never the most exciting player to watch and his position on the pitch (left back) has never been associated with glamour or pizzazz, he deserves more recognition and respect than he receives.
A professional’s professional, Avi Cohen is an inspiration for those who remember the pride and joy he brought to an entire nation that is sorely lacking in heroes and role models. Avi Cohen, we salute you!
