Koretzki latest Beitar coach to be shown door by Tabib

Beitar Jerusalem named Guy Levy as its new head coach.

By ALLON SINAI
Menahem Koretzki’s turbulent time as coach of Beitar Jerusalem came to an end yesterday when he was sacked by owner Eli Tabib. (photo credit: ERAN LUF)
Menahem Koretzki’s turbulent time as coach of Beitar Jerusalem came to an end yesterday when he was sacked by owner Eli Tabib.
(photo credit: ERAN LUF)
After another Eli Tabib orchestrated farce, Beitar Jerusalem named Guy Levy as its new head coach on Wednesday morning, hours after sacking Menahem Koretzki.
Tabib and Koreztki had fallen out earlier this season after the owner didn’t take well to his coach talking with the media about the need to strengthen the squad.
Rumors were rife that Koretzki was going to already be sacked last week following Beitar’s surprise defeat to third-division Hapoel Ashkelon in the roundof- 32 of the State Cup.
However, the tension between the two seemed to have subsided following last Monday’s 1-1 draw between Beitar and Hapoel Tel Aviv, with Koretzki insisting that his departure was never on the cards before apologizing to Tabib for any misunderstanding.
“I don’t know where the rumors started,” said Koretzki. “I never said I was going to quit. Eli Tabib and I are mature enough to put our differences aside for the good of the club.”
However, while Koretzki seemed adamant to overcome the rift, Tabib clearly had other plans and sent the coach packing on Wednesday, but not before making a mockery of himself and his club yet again.
Beitar had initially announced late Tuesday night that Koretzki was fired due to the disagreements between the coach and the owner.
However, just two hours later the club backtracked on its previous statement and said that Tabib, who is currently in Miami, and Koretzki will speak on Wednesday morning to discuss the issues in question.
Shortly after their transatlantic conversation, Koretzki’s sacking became official (again) and Guy Levy, who was fired by Bnei Sakhnin earlier this season, was almost immediately hired in his place.
“I would like to thank the club and the owner for giving me a chance to be part of this big club,” said Koretzki, who bid farewell to the players ahead of Wednesday’s training session.
“Due to our differences, we decided to part ways, something which happens in soccer. I wish the club all the best for the future.”
Tabib only purchased Beitar a year-and-a-half ago, but Koretzki is already the third coach to leave the club in acrimonious fashion, following in the footsteps of Eli Cohen and Roni Levy.
Guy Levy’s first match at the helm will be against Kiryat Shmona at Teddy Stadium on Sunday.
Beitar currently sits in ninth place in the Premier League standings, recording just five wins from 19 matches so far this season. Jerusalem is only six points clear of Hapoel Petah Tikva and the relegation zone after being deducted one point by the Israel Football Association disciplinary court on Wednesday for the unruly and racist behavior of its fans in Monday’s match against Maccabi Netanya. Beitar was also punished to host Bnei Sakhnin in front of empty stands and face Maccabi Tel Aviv away from Teddy Stadium.