Hapoel Umm Al Fahem is one of the improving teams of the National League. Before going into the World Cup break, she recorded three wins and two draws, with a total of six games in a row without a loss, after impressively defeating Hapoel Ramat Gan 1:4 in the return round from the break.
The team of Adam Hadia (who became the team’s third coach this season after Eldad Shavit and Moti Iyonir), who was appointed to the position after the disappointment at the start of the season, certainly looks like one that can stick to the top group, when the one who was interviewed by the “National Center” section is the professional manager Shimon Hadari, who registered success last year as a professional manager in the cities of Tiberias and this year came to a team from the sector in order to qualify with them for the senior league. As you may remember, Hadri has already registered two terms at the club, the latter of which he was the one who promoted it as a coach from League A to the National League.
“If we look at the start of the season, the goal was first of all to stabilize the ship,” says Hadri. “Naturally, there were very high expectations last summer – and we wanted to build a quality team that would compete for promotion, upon returning to the home stadium. Unfortunately, there was a delay in completing the stadium matter, So we’ve actually played our home games on away grounds until now. Of course, we didn’t want to find ourselves with a third coach already after six rounds, but the dynamic was like that – and everything that happens is for the better. this season), who received a ready team from Aladd Shavit, was also unlucky at the start of the season. Quite a few injured, and too much pressure around the team.”
“Our success, that of Abulaam and Wasim, is that we remained focused. From the inside, we instilled confidence in the players. We made the adjustments, and I am very happy that Adam Hadiya arrived and connected well. He is full of passion and knowledge. He did two ascents with Rayna, and wants to do a third in a row With us. He is the coach of the future of the sector, and to his credit it will be said – that for a moment he did not use the excuse that he did not build the team and rolled up his sleeves.”
You talked about Eldad Shavit. What didn’t work with him? There were quite a few versions regarding personal disputes as well.
“In retrospect, the time with him wasn’t long. Things could have gone differently, but there’s no point in dwelling on it. Eldad is a good coach, and I wish him success at Brother Nazareth. He brings good results, and so have we since the changes that were made.”
Did you make a mistake in building the squad? It is a fact that you have changed quite a bit…
“First of all, we didn’t change much. There were changes on the lines, but the squad didn’t go through a big change. We also had bad luck with injuries to key players, especially Mikko Meman, who is one of the players we wanted the most in the summer and later on the Colombian Sebastian Velazquez. Yes , we also made mistakes and changed, but you will be surprised, we also had a lot of faith and patience with several players, and it paid off. Take for example a player like Solomon Daniel, who is an anchor in the team. Even when things did not flow at the beginning of the season, we worked with him and it paid off. And he is not the only one, and also from The situation of injured players – we gained others. Anas Mahmeid is a good example. Amid Mahajana who returned to the team – is an excellent example.”
“In general, the impression is that we built Galacticos in Umm Al Fahm, but when you examine things you will discover how many local players and how many players from the sector are playing and getting significant minutes. In fact, the absolute majority of the games from the beginning of the season we played with one foreigner, with Marcus Diniz – who is an example of bingo. Leader. Player. Personality. And in general, I think the combination of Adam Hadiya and Kilani contributed a lot to this, and my approach is as mentioned – not to pull out, but to give another chance.”
What is the reason you finally got on the wave recently?
“A lot of credit is due to the committed team that is here. Take Kilani, who is the assistant coach. A man from Umm Al Fahm, very committed, who develops and contributes a lot. The goalkeeper coach is solid who does a quiet and good job. Alon Segal who is a scout and analyst who I really wanted from the beginning, because he Complements me perfectly. I have my own agendas, but I am very open to accommodate and synchronize things. I give the professionals the space to express their creativity. They work quietly, modestly, and focused. Now that it is reflected in the results, it Allows me to focus on promoting moves and changes that are required. We went into the break when we are completely there, at the top, after it seemed at first that the league was running away from us. I believe that with the entrance to the stadium and adjustments that will be made soon – we will be in contention until the finish line.”
So the goal is still to go up?
“Umm Al Fahm’s place is in the Premier League. When you look at the processes that are happening not only in the senior team itself but in the entire club, and this is the strengthening of the youth team, a great stadium that I guarantee that soon teams will learn how home it is, with the huge audience of Umm Al Fahm, the management Tova and the vision set by Abul’am – so the goals are clear. We have closed gaps in the last cycles, and you will not hear from me a sentence like the break did not come on time for us – because the intention is to develop momentum even after it, make the necessary adjustments and go to the end. We all hope that we will make an increase this season. When I came to Umm Al Faham and I signed for two years – the goal I set was clear. We will work hard to realize it.”
Why can’t this club climb? Good squads are built every year. Is it the pressure?
“As a matter of fact, the club is climbing. We were promoted three years ago from League A. The club staked a stake in the National League and later went up a notch entering the top playoffs. I can say from the side, that everything that happened during the Walls Guard, stopped Umm Al Fahm from fighting for promotion last season. By the way , this club functions under constant pressure, and even now that we are returning to play in the city – there will be more pressure, but in the previous term we knew how to channel it to our advantage, and I believe it will be the same now.”
What about the stadium you mentioned so many times in this interview? It’s a very publicized story…
“Have you heard about the Israeli bureaucracy? This stadium was prepared to host games already two months ago. At some point, I entered the picture together with Abulam, and with the mayor – and the last things that we were asked to complete and improve were carried out. I hope that the final stamp will be received in the coming days, and in this matter it is important for me to emphasize – Umm El Faham really wants to host Jewish groups, and audiences who come here and respect the place – will be surprised how much the place and our fans will respect them. It is a city that has been given many labels, but even in difficult times – the absolute majority of its residents see themselves as part of Israeli society and will be accepted here In the stadium with open arms, fans of the rivals. This is exactly the policy led by the mayor Dr. Samir Mahamid together with the chairman Abu Alam.”
Shimon Let’s talk about the club where you work. Abu Alam is very opinionated, he has his partner Vasim. How much do you set? How much of a part did you play in firing the coaches?
“I am a follower of a path, and I have a lot of patience and long-suffering. I never made a decision impulsively, but examined processes. Obviously, we didn’t want to cause shocks at an early stage, but in retrospect – we reacted in time. And we saved the season. I share everything with Abulam and Vasim , listens to every professional, analyzes things and sometimes from a different angle, some would say is more reasonable. I have the margin of action, out of respect and appreciation. This is why I came back to close a circle at Umm Al Fahm, and make more history with it. You also asked me if there was a place for a manager A professional in a club like Umm Al Fahm, Shabu Elam determines a lot – so maybe even more than other clubs. Abu Elam is a very assertive guy. He was born to lead and lead, and precisely the fact that I am between him and the professional team and the players – including the almost blind understanding between us that was built long before the season – You will see how necessary this combination is, certainly in Umm Al Fahm and many other clubs in Israeli football.”
Do you have an infection? We also saw the recording affair with Acre.. There were other stories with the tickets to Afula through Shimshon ben Tulila. Is there anyone who doesn’t like Shimon Hadari?
“Acre, this is a story that has lost proportion. All in all, I intervened to bridge the gap, and I’m sorry if I hurt anyone. That was not the intention. Regarding Afula, their claims were not right, so they ran to the media to justify them. I am very satisfied with the evaluation I receive and have received in every A club I’ve worked for. I’m very loyal to every club I’ve worked for and will continue to work for, and in my life I’ve learned – even if there are disputes – there are ways to settle them. Not everyone who runs to the media to blow up a story and hurt – is the right one.”
Let’s talk about your career. Why did you decide to become a professional manager in recent years? Tired of being a coach?
“Do I feel that I can have more of an impact as a professional manager? The answer is an unequivocal yes. And this is not only because of my age, or the experience I have gained, but also because of the place I chose to be, to train Israel’s future coaches in my position as the director of the UEFA coach training department at the college Mishgav. Yes, it’s a little tiring being a coach, and the status of a coach is a long and painful issue.”
“In the previous incarnation with Umm Al Fahm, I made the promotion to the national league with them, for the first time in the club’s history, and there I felt that the transition to the next position, which is also necessary for the club, should be made. This means drawing up a policy, and not just getting busy preparing for this or that game, but building A club, to develop it, and the potential in Umm Al Faham is clear to everyone, it is tremendous. In the meantime, God willing, things are working. I experienced a very successful year in Tiberias last season, in which the team convincingly advanced to the national league. But at the same time, a club was built there.”
So you won’t be a coach again?
“Definitely no. I will train coaches, I will build clubs from the ground up, and I am very satisfied with my part. Now, the goal is to put Umm Al Fahm on the map. I hope that will happen with God’s help this year, this is a club that will add a lot to the Premier League. A club with a crazy passion for success, And on this occasion, a lot of credit goes to Abulam, to Wasim Kivan who manage and invest, and of course to the mayor Dr. Samir Mahamid – and to all the activists and supporters who provide a driving force for this growth.”
Last year you were in Tiberias and after a season you left. In Umm Al Fahm will you stay longer? How many years did you come?
“The plan was to continue the process with Tiberias for many years. We made aliyah, we built a club, and it was a natural thing to continue. It didn’t happen, and I won’t get into things – and I wish Tiberias great success. It’s a wonderful place. In fact, I returned to Umm El Faham. This is a term My third at the club. I have a good connection. I am signed for two years, and the goal is clear. To make the leap to the main stage of Israeli football, and also lead it to become the top team in the sector in the coming years.”