JERUSALEM, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Premier League club Maccabi Tel Aviv announced on Tuesday that it has parted ways with head coach Zarko Lazetic and his coach staff.

The 43-year-old Serbian was dismissed by club owner Mitch Goldhar one day after a dramatic 2-1 loss to city rivals Hapoel Tel Aviv. Maccabi had led 1-0 deep into stoppage time at Bloomfield Stadium, only to concede twice and suffer their first loss to Hapoel in 12 years.

The setback capped a string of underwhelming performances, including a rare and heavy 6-2 home league defeat to Beitar Jerusalem in November. Maccabi currently sits third in the Israeli Premier League, 10 points adrift of leaders Beitar.

Maccabi has also endured a difficult Europa League campaign, collecting just one point from seven matches, placing the club last in 36-team table with one match remaining.

Lazetic was appointed head coach in June 2024, replacing Ireland's Robbie Keane, and led Maccabi to their 26th Israeli league championship last season.

The club's U19 team coach, Dan Roman, has been named interim manager.

Maccabi will host Bologna on Thursday in their final Europa League match before returning to domestic action next week against Kiryat Shmona in the league, followed by the Israeli State Cup quarterfinal against Maccabi Jaffa. ■