In his first match in charge on Saturday Gutman will face his former club Maccabi Netanya, which sacked him last season.
By ALLON SINAIhapoel TA soccer 224.88(photo credit: AP)
Eli Gutman undertook one of the biggest challenges of his career on Tuesday, signing as coach of Hapoel Tel Aviv until the end of the season.
Hapoel is rock bottom of the Premier League standings and was left in a shambles by previous coach Guy Luzon who resigned last week.
Gutman left Cypriot side AEL Limassol on Monday and in his first match in charge on Saturday will face his former club Maccabi Netanya, which sacked him last season.
"It's a great privilege to coach Hapoel Tel Aviv," Gutman told Hapoel's official Web Site on Tuesday. "I was very happy the club approached me. I believe Hapoel is a top side and I will make every effort so that the loyal supporters see the club return to its former glory."
Gutman, who guided Hapoel Beersheba to the State Cup in 1997 and Hapoel Haifa to the league title in 1999, will meet his new players for the first time on Tuesday afternoon.
Yossi Abuksis, who guided the team with fitness coach Ron Tziblin since Luzon resigned, will remain at the club and act as Gutman's assistant.
