Rewritten Title: Navigating Challenges: A Veteran’s Perspective on Iranian Football’s Path Forward
Article:
In a candid discussion on the state of Iranian football, former Esteghlal player Majid Namjou-Motlagh has offered a measured analysis of the national team, domestic clubs, and the broader sporting culture, emphasizing the need for stability and constructive dialogue.
A Cautious Approach for Team Melli
Commenting on the Iranian national team’s recent match against Cape Verde, Namjou-Motlagh acknowledged the challenges. “Cape Verde were a better team than Afghanistan and Tanzania,” he stated. “They were a good, athletic African side that put us under more pressure than in previous games.”
He pointed to an aging squad and a perceived dip in form for some players as key issues. However, he advocated for continuity under coach Branko Ivanković. “We must trust this team for two main reasons: we don’t have time, and we lack the potential for major replacements right now. We shouldn’t make too many changes,” he explained, while conceding that some public criticism is understandable and that the coach’s hands may be tied in certain areas.
On Club Dynamics and Managerial Stability
Turning to the domestic league, Namjou-Motlagh expressed optimism about his former club, Esteghlal, suggesting they are on a positive trajectory after a slow start to the season. He praised the impact of several foreign players, naming Asani and Monir Al-Haddad as among the best in the league.
His comments on rivals Persepolis highlighted the importance of managerial stability. He expressed regret over the departure of Vahid Hashemian, whom he called a “unique character,” and lamented the painful notion that well-mannered coaches cannot achieve results in Iran. Conversely, he noted that Persepolis has significantly improved and been transformed under new manager Osmar Vieira.
He directly linked Persepolis’s past string of championships to their “managerial stability,” a quality he finds lacking at Esteghlal. “Stability in any sector leads to growth and results,” Namjou-Motlagh asserted. “For years, we have witnessed these constant comings and goings at Esteghlal.”
Addressing Player Conduct in the Public Sphere
When asked about national team captain Ehsan Hajsafi’s recent reaction to public criticism, Namjou-Motlagh called for professionalism. “The time for such talk is past,” he remarked, contrasting it with the mutual respect often shown in post-match interviews abroad.
“A player should respond to criticism by improving his technical performance,” he advised. “[The player] was good in the last game, and there is no need for social media stories or strong language to answer critics. These reactions all stem from the negative atmosphere in our football.”
He concluded by underscoring the societal responsibility of athletes: “Criticism is always there; it existed in our time too. A player can have ten excellent games and one weak one; that one game becomes the subject of criticism. However, you should not react poorly. The nature of your behavior is influential in society.”