Anorthosis appoints Barak Itzhaki as new head coach

Anorthosis Famagusta has officially appointed 42-year-old Israeli coach Barak Itzhaki as its new head coach, following the departure of Nestor El Maestro after six matches. Itzhaki, who previously played for the club during the 2012-13 season, joins with experience from Beitar Jerusalem, where he led the team to a second-place finish and a Toto Cup victory in 2025. He is joined by his primary assistant, Spanish coach Borja Lema, while the existing technical staff, including Antonis Georgallides and Vassilis Vallianos, remains in place.

The coaching change follows a period of poor performance and an disappointing loss to Omonia 29M. Club president Christos Maragos visited the training center on October 20 to deliver a stern message to the squad, warning players that everyone is under evaluation and that the team’s current league position is unacceptable. Supporters also visited the training grounds to express their expectations for improved performance.

Itzhaki has already begun his duties, holding his first training session at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium. His debut as manager is set for October 24 against Omonia Aradippou. The club aims for an immediate tactical and psychological reset to climb from their current position near the bottom of the table.