Ukrainian goalkeeper Heorhii Yermakov, who plays for Maccabi Haifa, is preparing for the upcoming matches of the Israeli league. Former head coach Barak Bahar has returned to the club — it was under his guidance that Yermakov was invited to Israel. The team has refreshed its training process, and Yermakov is actively working in our new Brave GK Air goalkeeper gloves. This is a professional model designed for stability and control in any weather conditions.
Maccabi Haifa is carrying out intensive preparations for the November matches against Hapoel Jerusalem and Bnei Sakhnin. The team sits in mid-table and aims to strengthen its position after a run of draws. For Yermakov, one of the best goalkeepers in the UPL last season, this stage is important in his adaptation to the Israeli top flight.
After Barak Bahar returned as Maccabi Haifa’s head coach, the team noticeably changed the structure of its training process. The specialist, who previously led the club to three consecutive league titles, emphasized discipline, ball control, and cohesion between the lines during transitions from defense to attack.
The Ukrainian goalkeeper, who joined from Oleksandriia, is working actively in training where special attention is paid to reaction, footwork, and coming off the line. The coaching staff regularly conducts multiple-ball drills and simulations of game episodes under pressure — conditions that are close to the dynamics of official matches.
During morning sessions Yermakov practices short sprints, interceptions in the penalty area, and passing the ball to defenders under pressing. In the second part of the day the focus shifts to coordination and recovery — small-space exercises aimed at developing reaction speed and concentration.
Bahar notes the Ukrainian goalkeeper’s consistency and his ability to maintain focus at key moments. Thanks to his high game culture and precise work with the ball, Yermakov is gradually becoming a pillar of Maccabi Haifa’s defense.
In all recent training sessions, Heorhii Yermakov has been using the new Brave GK Air glove model. The main advantage of this model is the balance between lightness and protection. The palm is made of 4 mm German Supreme Contact latex with a cushioning foam lining. This coating provides a soft yet secure contact with the ball even in difficult weather conditions — on a wet pitch or at low temperatures.
The backhand of the goalkeeper gloves is made of durable latex with a polygonal emboss and ventilation inserts. Thanks to this, the palm does not overheat and the material retains elasticity and a snug fit. Yermakov notes that the Air model provides a great feel for the ball and does not restrict movement. These qualities are important during high-speed episodes and shots on target.
The classic Rollfinger cut with no seams between the fingers increases the contact area with the ball, while the Fix Fit system prevents the hand from slipping inside the glove. The absence of rigid inserts allows natural wrist movement and precise control when making saves.
After eight rounds of the Israeli league, Maccabi Haifa sits ninth in the table with 10 points (2 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses). The team is consistently solid in defense but is still searching for the right balance between reliability and attacking efficiency. Appointing Barak Bahar was a key step toward restoring the club’s competitiveness: he has already begun to rebuild the playing system, focusing on pressing, ball control, and a compact defensive structure.
Recent matches have shown that the team is moving in the right direction. After a draw with Ironi Tiberias (1:1) and a hard-fought win over Ashdod, Maccabi Haifa improved the quality of its transitional phases and became more confident in positional defense. Yermakov, maintaining stability in goal, demonstrates high concentration and reliability, helping the team keep balance in the final stages of matches.
In the upcoming rounds, Maccabi Haifa will meet Hapoel Jerusalem (1 November) and Bnei Sakhnin (8 November). Both games will be important in the battle for a place in the upper part of the table and a test for Bahar’s refreshed team.
The club emphasizes that the return of a coach familiar with Maccabi’s system and structure gives the team a chance for rapid progress. With stable defensive play and a gradual strengthening of the attack, Maccabi Haifa plans to climb into the top six by the winter break.
