Michael Valkanis takes up new challenge as Head Coach of Hapoel Tel Aviv

Michael Valkanis takes up new challenge as head coach of Hapoel Tel Aviv

Michael Valkanis’ coaching career has seen the experienced Greek-Australian work in the international arena, as well as with elite club academies and leading clubs in Australia, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

And the Football Careers client has taken the next step on his coaching journey after being appointed head coach of Israeli outfit Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Following a professional playing career in Australia and Greece, during which he represented the Socceroos on the international stage, Valkanis made the transition into coaching in the academy environment at Adelaide United, and then as U19 Assistant Coach with Australia.

He progressed to first-team roles at Adelaide United, where he contributed to A-League Premiership success and FFA Cup success. Valkanis moved on to Melbourne City, guiding the side to an FFA Cup victory in 2016.

The experienced coach then moved from his homeland to Europe, where he was assistant manager at PEC Zwolle before he swapped domestic football for the international stage to become assistant manager of the Greece Men’s National Team.

Returning to domestic club football with Belgian side K.A.S. Eupen as assistant manager in 2022, he was then promoted to the manager’s role.

Valkanis is now expanding his football knowledge and experience as head coach with Hapoel Tel Aviv and is excited about the new challenge. Speaking to club media, he said:

“I am excited for the opportunity given to me to be the coach of Hapoel Tel Aviv, to manage one of the most successful clubs in Israel, that has such a glorious history. This position will be a great challenge and an exciting opportunity for me, one that I look forward to.

“I promise that my team and I will give everything to help the players be the best version of themselves. With the help of hard and joint work, we will create special moments and return the club to its rightful place.”

Hapoel Tel Aviv’s Football Department Manager Chen Sol added:

“Right from the first conversation, Michael showed a desire and willingness to come to our new project in Hapoel. I believe that Michael will bring with him his professional abilities and experience, while emphasizing the development of young people.

“Michael will inject energy and motivation into the team, on the way to meeting the goals we set this season. I wish him the best of luck in his new role. Welcome to the Hapoel Tel Aviv family.”

Latest news

Keep up to date with the latest news
from Football Careers

including recent placements, in-depth interviews with our clients, career advice segments, guest columns, and more. Our members can access exclusive content centred around working in the world of football, created by the people who know it best.

I can’t thank Football Careers enough for the professional CV they created for me. The attention to detail is outstanding and the design is eye-catching. I really appreciate all of the support and guidance their team has given me over the years.

Robbie Fowler, Coach & Former Professional Footballer

Football Careers knew every detail about the role I was interested in and gave me comprehensive advice on how to prepare for a successful interview. The team was attentive and took time to answer all my questions. The knowledge they’ve shared with me has helped me secure a new role and it will be invaluable in my future career.

Selmen Sassi, Coach & Former Professional Footballer

I would like to thank Football Careers for their professional preparation of my CV and PowerPoint presentation. Without their input, I wouldn’t have found the recent job opportunities that have come my way. I would highly recommend Football Careers to anyone involved in football.

Frank Sinclair, Coach & Former Professional Footballer

I’ve had my CV and LinkedIn profile done by Football Careers. They’ve helped me out, they’ve offered me advice and guidance, and the staff couldn’t be more helpful. I would recommend them to any coach.

Diarmuid O'Carroll, Assistant Manager & Former Professional Footballer

Football Careers does fantastic work. So happy to be a part of such a professional agency and thankful for their help!

Éamon Zayed, Head Coach & Former Professional Footballer

Football Careers worked tirelessly to create a top-quality CV and philosophy documents that perfectly capture my ideas on how to run a football club. They have been a joy to work with from the very beginning and their outstanding final products have already proven to be a very useful career tool.

Derek Adams, First Team Manager

Football Careers has helped me greatly with my football CV and my management brochure. They’re very professional and the design of the documents is fantastic. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them for a couple of years now and I would highly recommend them.

Pa-Modou Kah, Head Coach & Former Professional Footballer

Football Careers were a huge support to me in my transition from playing to coaching. A first-class service to those who are looking to give themselves the best opportunity for face-to-face interviews.

Paddy McCourt, Assistant Manager

Top service once again from Football Careers, thanks for all of your help with updating my CV.

Clint Hill, Assistant Manager & Former Professional Footballer

Thanks to Football Careers for their help over the years. I highly recommend their services!

Stevie Grieve, First Team Manager

A big thank you to Football Careers for the yearly update of my CV. If you’re looking for a CV, get in touch. Best in the business!

Ross Ballantyne, Head of Academy Goalkeeping

Since utilising my CV, I have had interviews at a number of English Premier League and SPFL clubs before accepting a role in the USA. It is definitely a service which I will continue to use.

Graeme Henderson

The team members at Football Careers are very approachable and they have excellent knowledge of the football industry. I received a highly professional service from them and I now have a detailed, eye-catching CV that any employer would be attracted to.

Kevin Nicholson, Club Services Manager

Football Careers helped me successfully apply for my first full-time coaching job. They provide a fantastic, professional service with a great final product. The team is a pleasure to deal with and I couldn’t be happier with the service provided.

Luke Chadwick, Head Coach & Franchise Owner

Working with Football Careers has opened up new opportunities for me. I am delighted with the quality of their service and the results that I received. The work produced by the team has been consistently excellent and I strongly recommend their services to any ambitious coaches.

Jose Gomez

Football Careers’ membership features have been a great help to me over the years. The job board is fantastic. It’s quick and easy to use, and there is a wide range of jobs available that are based all over the world. Being an Elite Hosted member gives me unlimited access to the job board, so I can apply for as many roles as I like.

Jordan Tait, Lead PDP Coach

I would highly recommend Football Careers. Following a consultation, I was provided with a new professional CV and LinkedIn profile as well as very useful interview coaching. Given the highly competitive football job market, the support they offer is invaluable.

Barry Horgan, Research Manager & Sports Scientist

I highly recommend becoming a member of Football Careers. You’ll receive the benefits and opportunities you seek in football. The services offer good value for money and above all, give you the access and tools you need to apply for high-level positions globally.

Niall Connolly, Director of Coaching

Fantastic service and professionalism of the highest order! Top-class staff who go the extra mile with a personal and professional approach. I highly recommend Football Careers, thank you always!

Dave Rogers, YDP Lead Coach

Thanks to Football Careers for the brilliant CV and cover letter to help with my future. First-class service and an unbelievable, new-look CV! I thoroughly recommend them, thanks again.

Ross Stormonth, Assistant Manager

Thank you to Football Careers for your quality products and outstanding service. I highly recommend them to any football professionals.

Paul Gray, Academy Manager

I would highly recommend Football Careers to anyone looking to obtain a CV of outstanding quality and attention to detail. I have just received mine and it’s first-class.

Darren Murphy, First Team Manager

A massive thank you to Football Careers for redesigning and updating my CV. If you’re looking to give your career prospects a boost, I would highly recommend getting in touch with them.

Brian McDermott, YDP Coach

Become A Member

Create an account and access a limited number of the latest sports vacancies. Apply for up to five directly from your profile.

Or, become a full member and gain additional benefits including access to all listings on the Job Board, your own candidate page and access to all news articles and expert career advice for a small monthly fee.