Ronny Deila Leaves Israel Amidst Middle East Conflict to Join Family
TEL AVIV/BERGEN – Ronny Deila is leaving his post as head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Norwegian manager confirmed to TV 2 that he is prioritizing the safety of his family, who were fortunately able to return home to Norway just prior to the escalation of hostilities.
“The club has been fantastic and I have felt safe and well taken care of, but my family has understandably been anxious,” Deila said. The sentiment underscores the difficult decision facing the coach, who only took the reins at Maccabi Tel Aviv in February .
The Israeli football league has been suspended indefinitely in response to the crisis, bringing a halt to all football activity. Deila acknowledged the disruption, stating, “Football is shut down and there are no trainings. It has been a great experience up until the war broke out.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv has extended the offer to all foreign players and coaching staff to abandon the country, a gesture Deila appreciated. His departure will see him travel by bus to Egypt before flying on to Greece to reunite with his family. The timing of his family’s departure proved fortuitous, as they had been visiting during the winter break and left for home the day before the conflict began.
Deila expressed his hope for a swift resolution to the conflict, stating, “I am travelling home now to take care of my family and to be out of danger. I hope the war stops quickly, so the damage is as minimal as possible, and so football can start again and I can come back to finish the job.”
The former Strømsgodset and Vålerenga manager’s decision reflects the broader impact of the conflict on the sporting world. While Deila has been well-supported by the club throughout the ordeal, the safety and well-being of his family ultimately took precedence.
Deila’s coaching career has spanned several countries and clubs, including stints at Celtic, New York City FC, and Atlanta United. He achieved notable success at Strømsgodset, winning the Norwegian league title in and the NM Cup in , and secured league titles with Celtic in and , as well as the MLS title with New York City FC in . He was similarly named Norway’s coach of the year in , receiving the Kniksen award.
His daughters, Live and Thale Rushfeldt Deila, are both members of the Norwegian national handball team, adding another layer to the family’s sporting connections. The situation highlights the personal toll that geopolitical events can take on athletes and their families, even those involved in seemingly separate spheres like professional football.
The immediate future of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s season remains uncertain, with the league suspended and the security situation volatile. Deila’s departure leaves a void in the coaching ranks, but his priority remains clear: ensuring the safety and well-being of his loved ones during a time of immense upheaval. His hope to return and complete his function with the club is contingent on a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict, a sentiment shared by many within the football community and beyond.
Deila’s contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv extends through the current season, but his immediate focus is on family. The club’s support in facilitating his departure underscores the understanding that, in times of crisis, personal safety must come first. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of normalcy and the far-reaching consequences of conflict, even in the world of professional sports.