Pleat could treat Israel

David Pleat would be willing to help Israel find a new manager should they decide to part terms with current incumbent Dror Kashtan.

Having managed Spurs, Sheffield Wednesday, Leicester City and Luton Town, Pleat is well qualified to offer guidance in identifying a candidate who could help guide them to the finals of a major competition.

Now working as a commentator for ITV, Pleat said: “It is an intriguing situation. If I was asked to help in any way, or even in a consultant capacity, I would be fascinated and would love to help them identify a top coach.

“Through my contacts, I have one or two good emerging coaches with a lot of invention in their mind.

“I think that integrating European ideas with the Israeli temperament is a good idea.”

Following Israel’s failure to claim a win in a double-header against Greece, supporters of the national team believe their dream of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time in 40 years is over.

“Obviously everyone is disappointed with the results, but I know that there are players coming out of Israel now,” Pleat said. “This was not the case 25 years ago. Israelis are very passionate about football and, in my view, the standards are improving.

“For such a small country I think they have done very well. They should look at some bigger countries with bigger resources including Portugal, whose situation is no different as expectations are very high.”

Reflecting on Ronnie Rosenthal’s belief that not even Jose Mourinho could help Israel qualify for a major tournament, Pleat said: “A thinking coach with good man-management skills can invigorate players five or 10 per cent.”