"The team has returned to Israel after 10 intensive days in Cyprus. Barda: 'I thank the owner Edmond Safra and the club's management for the conditions provided to us to help the team reconnect"
Hapoel landed in Israel this evening (Monday), following a ten-day training camp on the neighboring island. The club's management and professional staff saw great importance in holding the camp, which achieved its goals: team bonding, reconnecting the squad, and optimal preparation for the return of the league. As a reminder, the team is expected to return to action in exactly one week when they host Maccabi Haifa for Matchday 25 (April 6, 20:30).
Over the course of the training camp, three preparation matches were played against local teams. In the first, they won 2:0 against Ayia Napa (goals by Korine and Omri Levi); in the second, they won 5:2 against Spartakos (goals by Buskila, Archel, and a hat-trick by Dappa); and in the final match, they lost 1:0 to Olympiakos Nicosia.
The foreign players: Marcus Coco, Xande Silva, Captain Fernand Mayembo, and Emmanuel Boateng - returned to Israel with the team. Chico Alves and Lucas Falcão are expected to return by the weekend, alongside Andrian Kraev and Loizos Loizou, who are wrapping up their national team duties.
Amit Lemkin and Roei Alkukin, who are currently with the Israel U-21 national team, will return to Israel before the eve of the holiday. Stav Toriel, who was on duty with the Israel national team, joined the squad for the final days of the camp.
Head coach Elyaniv Barda summarized the training camp: "First and foremost, I would like to express my condolences to the families of the fallen and the murdered in the war, pray for the recovery of the wounded, and thank our heroic soldiers for everything they do for us. On behalf of myself, the players, and the staff, I want to thank the owner Edmond Safra and the club's management for the top-tier conditions provided to us during this complex period, allowing us to prepare the team in the best possible way for the moment we return to the pitch - this is not something we take for granted. We had ten days at a high tempo, including three preparation matches, and I feel they helped us reconnect in every aspect. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our fans a Happy Passover, and above all—physical and mental health. Looking forward to seeing you soon".
