Title: Esteghlal’s Commanding Victory Earns Respect from Al Wahda Coach
A Dominant Display in the Asian Champions League
Iran’s Esteghlal football team secured a decisive 2-0 victory over Jordan’s Al Wahda during the third week of the AFC Champions League 2 group stage. The match, held in a spirited atmosphere, showcased Esteghlal’s tactical strength and control on the field.
Opposing Coach’s Candid Assessment
In the post-match press conference, Al Wahda’s coach, Jamal Mahmoud, offered a forthright and respectful analysis of the game. He unequivocally stated that his team did not deserve a better result than the defeat they suffered.
“Esteghlal is a very good team with distinguished players,” Mahmoud declared. “We deserved this loss. Esteghlal presented excellent football, while our players were perhaps affected by the match atmosphere and held back. I congratulate Esteghlal on this victory.”
A Rebuilding Project for Al Wahda
Coach Mahmoud further used the opportunity to address the challenges facing his own squad, framing the loss as part of a necessary rebuilding process. He emphasized his commitment to long-term development rather than critiquing previous management.
“The team I took over was grappling with many problems and requires fundamental work,” he explained. “This current standing is not worthy of Al Wahda, and we must work on the team step by step. I have not come to evaluate the performance of the previous staff; my goal is to bring the team to a desirable level, and I am fully prepared for a fresh start.”