Full Breakdown
Maccabi Haifa’s Turnaround: From Preseason Struggles to Championship Contention
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Early Setbacks and Recent Revival
Maccabi Haifa entered the 2024-25 season with a series of disappointing preseason results. A 3-2 Toto Cup derby loss to city rivals Hapoel Haifa was followed by a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Ironi Kiryat Shmona and a 1-0 loss to Hapoel Jerusalem, leaving fans and media questioning head coach Barak Bachar’s approach. The league opened with a narrow 1-0 win over newly promoted Hapoel Ramat Gan, but a heavy defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv deepened concerns.
In the weeks that followed, the Greens reversed course. A 4-2 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem and a 2-1 comeback win against Maccabi Petah Tikva propelled Haifa to second place in the Israeli Premier League, just one point behind Maccabi Tel Aviv. The resurgence has shifted the narrative from doubt to cautious optimism.
Key Figures & Groups
- Barak Bachar – head coach, responsible for the tactical overhaul.
- Lior Refaelov – sports director, overseeing player recruitment.
- Bruninho – Brazilian attacking midfielder, key creative force.
- Pedro Brazao – Portuguese winger, added pace and flair.
- Andrija Novakovich – American-Serbian striker, provides aerial threat and link-up play.
- Eli Dasa – Israel national team captain, right-back signed to strengthen the defense.
Data & Statistics
- Preseason: 3-2 loss (Hapoel Haifa), 3-0 loss (Ironi Kiryat Shmona), 1-0 loss (Hapoel Jerusalem).
- Early league: 1-0 win (Hapoel Ramat Gan), heavy defeat (Maccabi Tel Aviv).
- Recent league wins: 4-2 (Hapoel Jerusalem), 2-1 (Maccabi Petah Tikva).
- Table position: second, one point behind league leaders.
- Bruninho: 3 goals, 5 assists (season to date).
- Brazao: 2 goals, 2 assists in four appearances.
- Novakovich: 4 goals, 1 assist in five starts, 1.92 m tall, provides target-man presence.
Official Statements & Responses
He highlighted the impact of the new attackers, describing Bruninho’s creativity, Brazao’s individual brilliance, and Novakovich’s ability to link midfield and attack as central to the offensive resurgence.
“He has the complete package in terms of leadership and an exceptional personality,” — Barak Bachar, head coach.
Bachar also cautioned against premature championship talk, asserting that “the results speak for themselves” and that the club’s aim remains first place, but only after a sustained run of form.
Why It Matters – Title Ambitions and Club Outlook
The turnaround illustrates how strategic recruitment and player integration can alter a club’s trajectory within a single season. By converting a disjointed preseason unit into a cohesive attacking trio, Haifa has re-entered the title race, challenging the dominance of Maccabi Tel Aviv. The defensive reinforcement with Dasa aims to balance the newfound offensive firepower, addressing a lingering vulnerability that could affect the club’s ability to maintain its position over a full campaign.
What's Next – Upcoming Fixtures and Challenges
Haifa’s next test comes against Hapoel Beersheba in a few weeks, followed by a demanding stretch of league fixtures. The club must sustain its attacking momentum while solidifying defensive stability to remain a credible contender for the Israeli championship.
