Rewritten Title: Persepolis at a Crossroads: A Tactical Victory Overshadowed by Managerial Upheaval
In a dramatic turn of events for one of Iran’s most prominent football clubs, Persepolis FC has secured a crucial victory, even as it finds itself embroiled in a contentious and, according to some experts, unprofessional managerial change.
A Long-Awaited Victory
After a string of five draws and one loss, Persepolis finally returned to winning ways. Expert analyst Morteza Fonouni-Zadeh described the match as a “game of two halves.” The first half saw a formidable Persepolis, buoyed by a new tactical system implemented by then-coach Vahid Hashemian and the inclusion of players like Ourega and Milad Mohammadi. This allowed the team to maintain its core structure and deliver a strong performance.
However, the second half saw a shift in mentality. “I don’t know why,” Fonouni-Zadeh commented, “but the players immediately switched to a defensive mode after scoring, reminiscent of periods under previous coaches. While defending a lead is a valid tactic, the aggressive spirit vanished.”
The Right System, The Wrong Timing?
The analyst pointed to the 3-5-2 formation adopted by Hashemian as a key to the victory, calling it an “interesting system” well-suited to Persepolis’s roster, particularly its wealth of quality wingers. He described the win as a “positive shock” for the team, highlighting their impressive ability to secure points against formidable opponents.
Despite this success, Fonouni-Zadeh expressed strong reservations about the club’s decision to replace Hashemian with new head coach Osmar Loss. He argued that the timing was flawed and the process unprofessional. “This decision was not right at this moment,” he stated. “Vahid Hashemian came from within the club’s own structure and deserved more support. The team’s results were not weak, and other major clubs have also faced slumps.”
A Question of Professional Conduct
The core of the criticism lies in the handling of the transition. Fonouni-Zadeh labeled the negotiations with a new coach while the current one was still actively training the team as “completely unprofessional.” He suggested that any decision should have been made only after the upcoming high-stakes match. “This behavior is not worthy of Persepolis,” he added, praising Hashemian as a disciplined and professional coach.
While acknowledging Osmar’s popularity and good standing with the club, the expert lamented the circumstances of his arrival. “I wish Osmar had come to Persepolis under different conditions, not as a replacement for Vahid Hashemian… We in Iran are often good at welcoming but poor at bidding farewell. Hashemian is a pillar of Persepolis, both technically and ethically. I hope that if a change is to be made, it is done with complete respect.”
Looking Ahead
The controversy casts a shadow over Persepolis’s next major fixture. Fonouni-Zadeh also questioned the decision to hold this high-profile match behind closed doors, stating it detracts from the excitement and passion of one of Iranian and Asian football’s most anticipated clashes.
The situation presents a critical test for the club’s management, balancing the pursuit of sporting success with the principles of professional conduct and respect for its icons.