Israel head coach Ran Ben Shimon addresses grueling schedule ahead of Nations League opener

This year marks the first time that the September and October international windows have been combined into one elongated period, eliminating an additional week away from domestic league play that had been the case in previous years. The November window remains unchanged, with two matches to be played as in years past.

Ben Shimon acknowledged the physical and personal demands facing his players, particularly with the Jewish holidays falling during the international window.

“It’s not the first time we’ve had four games in 17 days. It’s not easy. It’s not just a team journey, but also a personal journey. Some players have events and personal commitments. Yom Kippur is very important to all of us, and we spent that at a hotel in Austria, which wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.”

The national team also made arrangements to ensure its players could observe the holidays while abroad.

“We have a rabbinical committee with the national team, and they made sure we observed Yom Kippur according to Jewish law. A rabbi will travel with us, and we had a proper pre-fast meal, and we’ll also have a sukkah for Sukkot. We take care of everyone, as the Israel national team is a melting pot of Israeli society.”

Ben Shimon said Israel’s objective in the Nations League is clear: challenge for the top two places in the group while recognizing the competition’s importance as a pathway toward the European Championship.

“Not everyone knows exactly what the Nations League is, but it’s a very important competition. Through it, you can reach the Euros or, at the very least, earn a better seeding position for the draw. We’ve already stated our goal: We want to be results-oriented. I want to think that we’ll be competitive enough to finish in one of the top two places. That’s what we’re aiming for, and that’s what we demand from the players as well.”

With four matches compressed into just over two weeks, managing the squad’s energy will be crucial.

“We prepared a report on every player, looking at the condition he arrives in and his fitness level,” Ben Shimon explained. “Maintaining energy over 17 days is difficult. We’ll have a short break in the middle to allow the players to decompress. We know how much players who are under a lot of pressure need some time off from time to time.”

Ben Shimon also highlighted the tactical flexibility available to him, particularly with players capable of operating in different systems.

“With three center-backs, we have excellent options on the flanks. Liel Abada and Sayed Abu Farhi can play there. In a back four, we have Roy Revivo, Guy Mizrahi and Ilay Feingold. There are many considerations when selecting players.”

Anan Khalaili has also been included following his move to English football, where he is featuring for Crystal Palace. Ben Shimon expects him to primarily operate in attack.

“Anan plays on the right wing, and we’ll use him according to what we need. I’ll use every player in any position in which he can help us. Khalaili will mainly play in attack.”

Eighteen-year-old Noam Sztejfman, meanwhile, received his first senior call-up, with Ben Shimon viewing the young defender as an investment in Israel’s future.

“Noam Sztejfman is a youngster who gives us reason to look to the future with optimism. I’m happy about his call-up. We held many discussions with all the center-backs we could have selected. Once we named the squad, we decided this was the best squad.”

Ben Shimon also discussed the challenges facing Israel’s MLS-based players, who must travel across the Atlantic and adjust to the time difference.

The coach recently visited the United States and came away impressed with the growth of MLS and the Israeli players and coaches working there.

“The visit to the United States opened our eyes to aspects of MLS that we didn’t know about. It was important for us to understand where our large Israeli contingent there is heading. The league is making tremendous progress, the coaching staffs are filled with people of a very high level, and the training is also at a very high level.”

Israel will once again be without home-field advantage, with the team continuing to play its international matches away from Israel.

“Throughout this entire period, I’ve made sure not to use the lack of home-field advantage as an excuse, but I really miss the atmosphere that the Israel national team has.”

“Every national team has its absences. We have our own missing players as well. When we start focusing on what’s happening with other national teams, it weakens us. Kosovo will come with its strongest lineup, and Ireland will as well. We need to focus on our own national team. We have the ability to beat any opponent in this group. There will be difficult games and a major challenge for the Israel national team.”

Captain Eli Dasa was another notable selection despite currently being without a club. Ben Shimon pointed to the veteran right-back’s experience and performances with the national team as key factors behind his inclusion.

“Our past experience tells us that Eli knows how to raise his level in national team games. He’s training at a very high intensity. His call-up is based on sporting considerations, but we all know the added value and everything he can bring to the national team.”

Ben Shimon also confirmed that personal commitments would be accommodated, with Gabi Kanichowsky set to arrive late because of his brother’s wedding and Eitan Azoulay missing part of the preparations because of his own wedding.

“I support our players. Gabi Kanichowsky will arrive late because of his brother’s wedding, and Eitan Azoulay is getting married himself. The tendency should always be to put family above everything else.”

The coach has yet to decide who will start in goal, with three keepers competing for the position.

“We have three outstanding goalkeepers, including Asaf Tzur, and certainly Omri Glazer and Daniel Peretz. As for the lineups, every game is a separate matter. I haven’t told them yet who will start.”

Israel’s demanding schedule begins Thursday, Sept. 24, when it visits Austria for a 9:45 p.m. kickoff. The Blue-and-White will then face Ireland on Sept. 27 at 9:45 p.m., followed by a meeting with Kosovo on Oct. 1, also at 9:45 p.m. Israel will complete the four-match stretch by visiting Ireland on Oct. 4 for another 9:45 p.m. kickoff.

The November window will see Israel travel to face Kosovo on Nov. 14 at 4 p.m., before concluding the group stage against Austria on Nov. 17 at 9:45 p.m.

The team that finishes first will be promoted to League A, while the team that finishes last will be relegated to League C. The second-place team will play in a promotion playoff for League A, while the third-place team will play a relegation playoff for League C.

Ultimately, however, Ben Shimon said Israel must focus on its own performances rather than external factors. While he continues to miss the atmosphere of playing in Israel, he believes the national team could develop a strong bond with its supporters when it eventually returns home.

“I will be very focused on making the best professional preparations possible. We need to beat our opponents on the field. I’m sure that if we were playing in Israel, the fans would really connect with the national team. We have an amazing society. Everyone, with all their complexities, really wants to be here, including those who aren’t with us. The fans could have really connected with the team.”