Beitar Jerusalem announced on Sunday that head coach Barak Itzhaki, who has led the team for the past two and a half years would be departing the club. During the period that they shared together, there was mutual growth and development what was experienced and the door will be open for their paths to cross again in the future.

In his place, Beitar appointed Sports Director Almog Cohen as the new head coach as he will move down to the sidelines and will continue leading the organization. Assisting him will be Moshe Ohayon, who will remain in his current role as an assistant coach and one of the club’s legends Aviram Bruchian who returns to the club also as assistant.

Club owner Barak Abramov said following the appointment, “I have great appreciation for Barak Itzhaki and for the journey we made together. It’s unfortunate that things ultimately did not work out and I wish Itzhaki tremendous success in the future.

“Now our focus is on next season and its preparations. Almog, who has transformed the club professionally into what it is today and has been largely responsible for its progress in recent years, will continue doing so from the touchline and will excite all of us, together with his assistants. Our initial goal is, of course, European competition. An exciting and inspiring season awaits us, and together with you, we will take Beitar several more steps forward.”

New head coach Almog Cohen said, “First of all, I want to thank Barak Itzhaki for two and a half years filled with joyful moments and for the excellent cooperation we had throughout the past few years. As the person who has been leading the club professionally in recent years, I understand the great responsibility that comes with being the head coach of Beitar Jerusalem. I am fully aware of it and ready to continue what we started, together.

“We have already demonstrated the strength of this club and the power we have when we stand together. We will continue to lead Beitar to the places where it belongs, strengthen the squad, and make it even better.”