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Ran Ben Shimon begins his first term as coach of the blue and white team – Israel Sports

The Israeli national team will kick off its Nations League campaign on Friday evening with a match against Belgium, followed by a duel against Italy. New head coach Ran Ben Shimon will begin his first term as coach of the blue and white team.

While the match against Belgium is Israel's home match, the competition will be played at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary, for security reasons. Israel's home match against Italy on Monday will be played at the Bozsik Arena in Budapest due to the ongoing war with Hamas.

After Ben Shimon took over the reins of the team, the new coach made several changes to the squad to put his stamp on the team and ensure that they play competitive football in their first season. Ahead of the upcoming matches, Ben Shimon discussed a variety of topics and started by sharing his vision on how the team should prepare in the future.

“The most important experience I have had since taking over as head coach of the Israeli national team and training with the team is that getting together for three to four days every three to four months doesn't get us anywhere. One of the main goals is for the team to play like a team. This requires me to be in constant contact with the players, trying to strengthen different areas of the squad, conveying things in face-to-face meetings and also meeting online to discuss the philosophy and my requirements for them. For this to work, we need to be in regular contact.”

Ben Shimon will try to be more successful as head coach than his predecessors. He will ensure that his philosophy is accepted and implemented by the players.

Football (illustrative) (Source: ING IMAGE/ASAP)

“My standards will be very high and every time we get together we will review what we have done, what happened, how and what can be improved. There will be no investigations and no search for culprits; we will constantly reflect on processes and progress. We know the strength of our opponents in the Nations League but regardless, we have several objectives. Firstly, I want to test our skills, see good football and build a team that is difficult to play against. This will help create an identity and DNA for a team that is difficult to beat and has a clear sense of what it is.

“Another aspect is mental resilience. There will be no moments of defeatism or head-hanging during the game – always positive body language and a sign of courage. Third, I want to see who follows my example, what they are made of and which players implement our tactics. I want to see which players adhere to values ​​and norms both on and off the pitch. We want to form a cohesive team that trusts each other and is open to criticism. What I especially miss is the connection with the fans. I will never forget the joy I felt as a player when I sat on the bus and saw everyone driving to the game wrapped in Israeli flags.”

Due to the security situation, both matches will be played away. Belgium is concerned about the safety of its team in the country and UEFA will not allow Israel to play in the Holy Land until the war with Hamas and Hezbollah is over.

“The thought that we could have had 30,000 fans at every Nations League game is very painful and I want to thank everyone who is coming to see us in Hungary too. I know there will be some and I would love to see them, but I will certainly appreciate those who will be sitting in front of their TVs cheering us on. I woke up this morning very excited because we have expectations and we have worked hard to build the team and select the players to give our country a team that we can all identify with.”

There is no doubt that Ben Shimon will be missing some players in some positions, but he is counting on those who will be playing in the two games.

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“I am aware of the complexity and from the beginning I have made a commitment not to complain about anything. There will be injuries and absences – that's just how it is. There are outstanding players and I firmly believe in this squad and this generation. We will find solutions within the team. I have called up players to form the best squad and everyone is very enthusiastic and eager to play for the national team. I hope that all the injured players will be ready to play soon, but this is the squad we have and we will go into battle with them.”

Eran Zahavi, one of the most dangerous goalscorers in the country's history, was not called up for this season but could still be an important part of the team in the future.

“I have a lot of respect for Eran and a very good relationship with him. We have decided together that he will not announce his retirement and will be available to the national team upon request. There are strikers in the squad, but Eran is always welcome. I have enormous respect for him and our relationship is open.”

Manor Solomon, who has just been loaned to Leeds United from Tottenham Hotspur, will be back in action after a long injury layoff and will play an important role.

“Manor will play a central role in helping us reach the places I want, hope and dream of,” said Ben Shimon.

For the goalkeeper position, Ben Shimon will rely on some inexperienced players.

“I have a direction that I reserve the right not to reveal. But I will see all three in training before making a decision. Maccabi Tel Aviv goalkeeper Roi Mishpati played for me in Ashdod, along with Yoav Gerafi, who is part of the squad. Mishpati is part of my considerations for future call-ups, but this was my professional decision.”

Ben Shimon continued: “All players called up to the training camp are candidates for the squad. I have great respect for each player invited and will continue to monitor them week by week. I have invited the players who I think most deserve to be in the squad. It is important to me to make sure we have the best team. Results are important, but they are not the priority. We are a competitive team and I believe we will surprise ourselves, but first we need to form a cohesive team that understands our approach and shows constant progress.”

Belgium-based Omri Gandelman, who plays for Gent and was not called up to the training camp under former head coach Alon Hazan, will have every opportunity to make an impression under Ben Shimon.

“He is playing incredibly well and is going through an incredible phase. I will use him as needed, but I cannot yet commit to whether he will play defensively or offensively, as I have some tactical and adaptable ideas. There are not many Israeli defenders who can play in the national team, but we will find solutions. To some, what I am doing will seem inventive, and to others it will seem like creative thinking. I was a centre-back and I hope ours will be faster than me now. But I did not take this job to complain; I came to find solutions. We will find the right balance between defence and attack, because that is the football I believe in, and we will form a team that the nation can be proud of.”

Making the country proud

Ben Shimon knows expectations are high, but ultimately he wants to see progress and a team committed to a process – a process that will make the country proud in these difficult times.

“Ultimately, I don't care about points. I want to see a strong and good team that doesn't lose to any opponent. I don't know how to create a scenario where everyone knows the end of the story. I also want to lead the team to the right places in the Nations League.”

“Since I've been here, I've noticed a change in the mindset. I've also had a lot of conversations with the Israelis who play abroad. There's a huge ambition in the national team and this generation understands that this is a great opportunity. It's a forward-thinking group that can improve. I won't talk about what came before me, but I see a change since I arrived.”



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