Title: Strategic Sidelines: Esteghlal’s Former Captain Analyzes Tactical Nuances of Fajr’s Performance
A Tactical Breakdown
In a recent live online program, Pirouz Ghorbani, the former captain of Esteghlal and current manager of Fajr Sepasi, offered a detailed and respectful analysis of his team’s recent match against the Esteghlal club. While expressing admiration for his opponents, Ghorbani provided a masterclass in tactical reasoning, suggesting his own squad deserved a more favorable outcome.
Respectful Acknowledgment of a Worthy Opponent
Ghorbani began by paying tribute to Esteghlal and its supporters. “With all respect to the good team of Esteghlal and its fans,” he stated, “the best possible result Esteghlal could have achieved in this match was a draw.” He grounded this assertion in the flow of the game, noting, “Before the goal, we created many scoring opportunities against this team. There were many instances, perhaps in the final third, where we should have made better decisions, but…”
Executing the Game Plan
The Fajr manager elaborated on his team’s effective defensive strategy. “The method of closing down Esteghlal’s attacking wingers happened in the best possible way,” Ghorbani explained. “We managed to take Esteghlal’s key players out of the game until around the 35th or 36th minute, executing this plan perfectly.” However, he pointed to a turning point, adding, “Unfortunately, the penalties that occurred, in my opinion, poured cold water on our efforts.”
A Shift in Momentum
Reflecting on the second half, Ghorbani, who once wore the captain’s armband for Esteghlal, observed a change in his team’s morale. “In the second half, our players were in a different state of mind, and we couldn’t regroup,” he commented. He also credited Esteghlal’s third goal as an “exceptional” strike. He further emphasized Fajr’s missed chances, stating, “Before the penalty for Esteghlal, we had three opportunities with over an 80 percent chance of scoring, but…”
Dual Allegiances and Praise for Quality
When asked to weigh in on the championship race between Esteghlal and Tractor, Ghorbani highlighted his loyalties and professional admiration. “First and foremost, I am a supporter of Fajr, and secondly, naturally, given my background, I am an Esteghlal supporter,” he clarified. He did not hesitate to praise his former club, noting, “I saw Esteghlal play very well. They are a skilled team, and I am proud of my team. I told my players it is an honor that you fought so hard against such a skilled team and influenced them for the majority of the match. Regardless of the result, I saw Esteghlal as a strong team, and the quality of their players was excellent.”