Sport
After derby defeat, Hapoel chairman stresses importance of domestic league
After defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Winner Cup final, Stav Shaham said Hapoel Tel Aviv must compete for domestic titles and is not a reserve team. His remarks followed Itoudis' proposal for reserve teams in domestic leagues. Shaham did not name him, and no decision to change the coach's role was announced. Photo: Danny Maron / Flash 90.
· Photo: Danny Maron / Flash 90
According to Channel 14, Hapoel Tel Aviv chairman Stav Shaham criticized the team after its defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv, stressing the importance of winning domestic titles.
Shaham wrote that the domestic league is not a development league and his club is not a reserve team. His remarks followed coach Dimitris Itoudis' proposal that EuroLeague clubs establish reserve teams in domestic leagues to manage fixture congestion and develop young players.
Hapoel squandered a substantial lead in its Winner Cup final defeat. Shaham did not mention Itoudis by name; presenting his remarks as a direct jab at the coach is the report's interpretation, not an announcement of a professional decision or a change in his role.
Source: Channel 14
