Hapoel Jerusalem, the moderate team from Jerusalem, enters the upcoming derby in a state of deep frustration. Last week’s disgraceful loss to Bnei Reineh left fans bitter and increasingly fearful that relegation may be approaching. Many supporters expressed their anger online, insisting that the current situation cannot continue.
A shuttle announcement for the derby – how disconnected is the club’s leadership?
The club’s leadership seems to assume that nothing requires change. Instead of addressing the humiliating defeat or taking responsibility, they released a logistical announcement about shuttle services for the derby.
For many supporters, this felt even more infuriating than the loss itself. It exposed a troubling disconnect from the crisis unfolding both on the field and among the fan base.
Supporters who made the effort to attend a difficult midweek match felt disappointed, and the silence from the club’s leadership only deepened the frustration. No emergency plan, no public statement, no preparation for a relegation scenario – only quiet from those who hold responsibility.
Last weekend’s win briefly created hope that the season might be stabilizing. But the performance against Reineh shattered that optimism. The team slipped back into the same patterns that have harmed it all season: complacency, slow reactions, and a visible lack of urgency. Even after Reineh’s early lead, there was little sign of determination to equalize.
In the derby – will Guy Badash and Matan Hozez finally defend?
The saying “talent without character is wasted” fits Guy Badash and Matan Hozez well. They are two of the most gifted players on the squad, yet discipline, leadership, and defensive commitment are all missing.
Badash avoids defensive duties and often slows attacking transitions by holding onto the ball too long. His unnecessary theatrics that earned him a yellow card highlighted a deeper issue.
Hozez shows similar problems: minimal defensive effort and careless finishing in the attacking third, including wasteful misses from promising chances.
As has been stated before, survival in the Premier League will not come from players acting like stars. It will come from fighters: Yanai Distelfeld, Ohad Almogor, Harel Shalom, and the encouraging return of Einu Freda to match fitness. These players must start the derby.
What is the only realistic path to avoiding relegation?
The upcoming stretch of matches is intimidating, especially with the derby approaching and the strong form of Beitar Jerusalem, the right wing team from Jerusalem. Still, Hapoel Jerusalem has no alternative. Securing points in the derby is essential, and that requires full commitment and competitive intensity.
The defeat to Reineh severely damaged the club’s chances of staying up, and the league table reflects a grim reality. But the essence of fandom is supporting the team “in all conditions,” especially during the hardest moments.
That is why, in my view, supporters must fill the stands on Monday and back the team in the derby.
