Israeli coach Itamar Stein sums up successes and sets sights on next goals

The Israeli men’s national team is in the midst of positive momentum after registering a four-game winning streak in the CEV Volleyball European League, including showing superiority against prominent teams such as Croatia and Sweden. These achievements place the team in a promising starting position in the battle for a ticket to the semis – which would also secure qualification for the CEV EuroVolley 2028. It should be remembered that even if Israel wins 3-0 twice, such a result will not guarantee their progression to the semis, as the Israelis need Denmark to lose a set in their matches with Albania and Romania in order to advance. At the same time, Israel is also due to contest this year’s EuroVolley and more specifically the pool phase to be held in Bulgaria, a fact that indicates a consistent trend of progress on the international stage.  

Ahead of the decisive matches against North Macedonia and Kosovo, we spoke with the team’s coach, Itamar Stein, about his professional path and aspirations for the future.

What is the most significant moment for you in the last four victories? 
I think the second set against the Croatians was very significant. We started badly, and after we turned it around and won that set, something was released in our game and we have looked great ever since. 

Were you surprised by the rapid pace at which the team found their chemistry in this campaign? 
I was not surprised by the connection. The players were waiting and looking forward to the start of the campaign, and from the moment we met for the first training session, it already felt like it was a direct continuation of last summer. 

How would you define the DNA of the current team in three words? 
Determination, brotherhood, excellence. 

What improvement do you see most in the team from the beginning of the competition to today? 
We improved while moving in reception and defence. It gives us the confidence to be more courageous with the first touch. 

How do the victories in the previous games affect the confidence and preparation for the decisive matches?  
We come to this weekend with the same mindset with which we arrived at the first two tournaments: to play well and win! Everything that is beyond that and is not in our control, we do not concern ourselves with that. Full focus on the upcoming games. 

What is the biggest challenge in the extended stay away from home and how do you deal with it? 
The fact that we do not play in Israel and spend a lot of time on the road is not easy, but we are trying to turn it into an advantage. There is cohesion here and a very great focus on the goals ahead. The motivation is sky high and it helps to deal with any potential burnout. We know why we are here and how important it is that we continue to progress and succeed, and that is what drives us. 

To what extent are you already thinking about the EuroVolley 2026? 
There is great excitement ahead of the European Championship. Even though there is still time, it is already in the air and we are looking forward to playing against some of the best teams in Europe and the world. We will prepare well and arrive ready for this great challenge. 

What is your biggest dream with the team?
My dream was and remains that we will continue to progress and break glass ceilings. I would really like to reach the World Championship, and I believe that we have the ability to compete for qualification there. It may take time, but we will do everything for it. In addition, of course I really want to stand with the team once again on the podium in a European tournament, after the gold in the Silver League and the bronze in the Golden League last year, it has whetted our appetite for more. 

The Israeli team continues its busy schedule of away games, with the aim of securing its place in the European League knockout stages. With the qualification for the 2026 continental championship long assured, the team is emerging as a significant factor on the continental stage, with the upcoming games against North Macedonia and Kosovo being another test of its ability to continue the momentum it has demonstrated so far.