Last season's double-winning coach to be replaced with ex-Maccabi Netanya coach.
By JEREMY LASTBetar 224.88(photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
Reuven Atar was confirmed as the new coach of Betar Jerusalem on Wednesday, replacing last season's double-winning coach Yitzhak Schum.
Schum's firing by the club's Russian billionaire owner Arkadi Gaydamak was the latest in a series of sackings. He followed club chairman Eli Arazi, marketing manager Karen Senigel and spokesman Oded Zargari, who was shown the door on Monday.
While Schum won the league title with Betar in his first season in charge and then followed it with last years double, Jerusalem was unable to get past its Champion League qualifier against Wisla Krakow, losing to the Polish side 5-0. It was this result which prompted Gaydamak to introduce significant change in the club's management.
Atar had much success in his previous job as Maccabi Netanya coach, leading the team to a second place in the league for the last two seasons before being replaced by German coach Lother Matthus.
The former Betar player is expected to lead his first training session with Betar Jerusalem on Thursday.
"I am very happy to be given this position. It is a great challenge for me," Atar told Ynet. He is reported to have accepted a contract worth $350,000 a year.
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