Tel Aviv in Crisis After Zvezda Blowout: Maccabi Set to Fire Kattash and Appoint Coach Still Paid by Red Star!

A crushing EuroLeague Round 8 defeat to Crvena Zvezda has set off alarm bells for the "Pride of Israel," putting Oded Kattash on the verge of the sack and prompting Maccabi Tel Aviv's hierarchy to urgently reach out to their former head coach.

Maccabi's season has spiraled into an absolute nightmare. With just two wins from their opening eight fixtures, the Israeli powerhouse is languishing near the bottom of the EuroLeague standings. Alongside Baskonia and a struggling Olimpia Milano, Kattash's side has looked among the poorest in the entire competition, particularly considering their summer budget and roster quality.

The final straw arrived in Belgrade. The red-and-whites ruthlessly dismantled their opponents, and a lifeless performance from Kattash's squad convinced the club's leadership to act decisively—a change on the bench is essential before the EuroLeague campaign slips away entirely.

The main, and practically sole, candidate to put out the fire in Tel Aviv is Ioannis Sfairopoulos. The Greek tactician has been available since parting ways with Crvena Zvezda, and the financial side of the situation adds a bizarre twist. Under the terms of his contract, Zvezda continues to pay Sfairopoulos, vastly easing negotiations and allowing Maccabi to land a top-tier coach without a heavy financial strain.

Furthermore, Sfairopoulos remains an absolute fan favorite in Tel Aviv. The Greek tactician spent four full years at the helm, securing trophies and steering the team through demanding campaigns. Having a deep understanding of the club's culture, board expectations, and the weight of the yellow-and-blue jersey, he would require zero adaptation time. In a bizarre turn of events, Zvezda parted ways with him, only to pave the way for his return to his second home with a dominant victory on the floor.

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