Oussama’s Influence: Foreign Stars Shine as New Coach Revitalizes Persepolis
A new era is dawning for Tehran’s football giant, Persepolis, under the guidance of head coach Oussama (Osmarl) Vera. After a period of inconsistent results, the team’s foreign contingent is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, directly attributed to the Brazilian coach’s tactical acumen and man-management.
Struggles Under Previous Management
The early season was marked by challenges, particularly concerning the utilization of the team’s foreign players. While midfielder Marko Bakic consistently performed, other key international signings failed to make their mark under the previous coach, Vahid Hashemian. Notably, attackers Tché Tché (TV) Bifouma and Oston Urunov struggled for form and fitness, with reported difficulties in their relationship with the coaching staff impacting their on-field contributions.
A Tactical Resurgence
Since taking the helm for his second stint, Coach Oussama Vera has overseen an immediate and positive transformation. The team’s official 3-0 victory over Esteghlal Khuzestan served as a powerful statement. In that match, Bifouma found the back of the net and Urunov delivered a standout performance, signaling a dramatic return to form. This revival was further cemented in a recent friendly against Gol Gohar Sirjan, where the Congolese forward, Bifouma, was the architect of all three goals in a 3-1 win.
The resurgence extends beyond club duties. Oston Urunov’s impressive performance for the Uzbek national team against Egypt confirms that his return to peak condition is a sustained trend. This collective uplift is widely seen as a direct result of Vera’s offensive training regimens and his positive influence within the squad.
The Next Challenge: Reigniting a Star
Despite the rapid progress, Coach Vera faces two significant tests. The first is managing the return of the now-injured but previously reliable Marko Bakic. The second, and more prominent, challenge is reigniting the career of Serge Aurier. The high-profile Ivorian defender, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham, has been a shadow of his former self, with injuries and a lack of match fitness hindering his impact since joining the Reds.
Reports indicate that Vera has devised a specialized program for Aurier. As Bifouma and Urunov rediscover their best form, all eyes are now on the Brazilian coach to see if he can work his magic and successfully integrate the experienced defender, completing the revival of Persepolis’s foreign legion.