Maccabi Tel Aviv have parted company with manager Avi Nimni.

The decision follows yesterday’s 3-0 defeat against league leaders Maccabi Haifa that left them eight points off top spot in Ligat Ha’Al.

A statement on Maccabi website said: “The Ownership feels that the team’s performances to date have fallen short of the clear goals and expectations set out at the beginning of the year.”

Mitch Goldhar, the Tel Aviv owner, said: “I am concerned by the inability of the team to achieve satisfactory results. More than just the results, it is the performances as well that have guided my decision.

“Following considerable investment in quality players, it is apparent at this juncture we are not reaching our potential. Our aim is to challenge for the championship. Performances and patterns to date show that we are not on course."

“I would like to thank Avi Nimni for his contribution and his commitment to MTA. I have gotten to know Avi and I have come to appreciate this intelligent, dedicated MTA soccer personality. I respect and like Avi as a person and wish him all the best in the future."

“I maintain my commitment to building MTA into a winning organisation. This will take time. Inevitably there will be changes. We move forward on this journey together, through the good as well as the difficult times.”

Nimni had three spells with Tel Aviv between 1990 and 2008. He remains their highest ever scorer.