By Nello Martineti 

The quote belongs to the outstanding coach of the 2025 Grand Prix, Oved Kraus, the engineer that prepared two years for this moment: also in establishing the Israeli Peace and Friendship team in October 2013, he built a fantastic competitive team with young and hungry players, under strict discipline and an offensive playing style while employing a stifling defense.

He earned the reputation of the uncompromising coach, and we all saw the results in the tournament with incredible outcomes that reflect the record of the Israeli team, the most impressive seen in the World League so far.

He was named the tournament's coach, and after 23 games, of which 20 were wins and zero losses, he approached the management and requested to step down coaching. 

Why?

"I feel that I have taken the team to an incredible peak. Beyond that, I don’t think I have any more tricks up my sleeve. I am quite tired after two exhausting years, and I think it’s time to allow other coach to continue our dream journey. What’s certain is that whoever follows me will inherit a wonderful team in every way."

How do you explain the huge gaps that appeared in the Grand Prix between you and the top teams in the World League? 

"There are a few objective reasons for that. Brazil arrived quite tired and short in rotation; perhaps they did not expect us to be such good. The Hungarians lost their goalkeeper at the last moment along with a few other players before the trip, so there were certainly circumstances that contributed to the significant gaps. But at the end of the day, our team simply came very well prepared—perhaps even too prepared."

We discovered that the Israeli team has exceptionally talented players, many of whom look professional even today.

"It is very important for these players how they are treated and where they are positioned. I have a great deal of respect for them; they are quite enjoying it, and each of them serves as a personal example to their teammates."

The challenge with star players who have big name is convincing them to play defense and press dynamically. How do you manage to get them to do that?  

"It comes down to each player's character who is with us. The personal example of defending, pressing the opponent, and positioning oneself where needed matters. I’ve turned down quite a few big names along the way because I understand that not everyone is capable of working hard and setting a personal example."

Ben Ben Yair, as said, is your favorite player and the closest to you in the team. You would surely agree with analysts who claim he is the best player in the World League.  

"I completely agree. I feel very lucky that he is part of our team. I fought to bring him into this framework; he’s a very special player and person. It’s important to him to connect and enjoy what he does, and his humility wins hearts. He is the player I want to see on the pitch; everything I dream of seeing in a top footballer. My achievements are largely thanks to him."

Shachak Ben Shabat, who was elected as the MVP of the Grand Prix, is another player you have a special connection with?  

"From the very first training session, Shachak was something extraordinary. In a short time, he became a key player in our team; he is fast and intelligent, mixed with quiet leadership. The team has crazy statistic of 23 games clean of loses, Shachak is the only guy who won in all our games, the only 3 draws that we had, happened without him. Funny to say, but I didn’t know him at all before he came to the team, my captain Joey Demos, brought him and told me: 'You will thank me a lot for him'. I can say that he was more than right".

How did you operate the competition in the Grand Prix?

"We arrived very well-prepared against Brazil. We knew that if we kept an eye on Beto and Cupelo, we were halfway there. Marcelo is a great goalkeeper; if they had come here with their full squad, I’m sure the result would have been different. The Hungarians are very charming and play the right kind of football; Kiss is a player who knows how to work towards the goal, and Kerenyi understands football at a high level. I’m sure that ahead of future competitions, we will see them in even better form."

It seems that while other teams ran out of steam, you could have played another half without any problem.  

"The credit here goes to the fitness coach and my assistant coach, Rafael Molcho, an exceptional personality, a great coach, and I don’t know what I would have done without him. Since he joined the team, every aspect of physical fitness has improved significantly."

We noticed a significant involvement from your management.

"Our chairman, Royi Kariv, is a crucial factor in our success. He provides us with everything, is involved, and always attends events with his son Amit—our mascot. Menashe Yazdi is also a veteran member of the system, well-informed about everything, and the overall atmosphere is part of the success."

Will there be changes in the Israeli team following your retirement?  

"I really hope there will be continuity. I am retiring of coaching but not of the system. We will ensure a handover to my successor; now that we are in the top of the roof, I can retire with peace of mind."