A New Chapter for Persepolis: Strategic Leadership and Ambitious Reforms Take Center Stage
In a significant move signaling a fresh strategic direction, Persepolis Football Club has officially appointed Mohsen Khalili as its new Sporting Director. The club has announced a three-season contract for Khalili, marking a new phase in the club’s administrative structure.
A Mandate for Change and Stability
This appointment comes after a period of frequent changes in the sporting director role, with predecessors Mohammad Ansari, Hossein Badamaki, and Mohammad Mohammadi all departing the position under challenging circumstances. However, Khalili is confident that his tenure will be different. He has emphasized that, unlike his predecessors, he has been granted significant authority by the club’s CEO, providing him the opportunity to effectively demonstrate his capabilities and implement his vision.
A Focus on Action Over Words
In his inaugural address, Khalili immediately addressed a key concern for supporters: the team’s transfers. He assured fans that they would soon hear positive news, stating that the club’s intention is to “make the fans happy through action, not just promises.” He also highlighted his commitment to fostering strong collaboration with the team manager and head coach, ensuring seamless interaction between the club’s management and the team itself.
A Comprehensive Three-Year Vision
Outlining his approach, Khalili revealed that he has presented the board of directors with a detailed, multi-year plan. “We will have a three-year vision plan,” he stated. “This program, once finalized and approved by the board, will serve as the club’s roadmap.” He expressed confidence that with the support of fans, the club, and shareholders, these comprehensive programs would lead to progress and enhancement in the club’s structure and organization.
Systematic Reforms Across the Club
Khalili identified several strategic priorities, with player transfers being a major focus. He aims to transform the transfer process into a structured and disciplined system, aligned with modern global methodologies, leaving a positive legacy for Persepolis’s future.
Beyond the senior team, his ambitious plans include a strong emphasis on youth development. Key initiatives involve:
- Integrating Academy Talent: Creating a long-term structure to ensure a consistent output of players from the Persepolis Academy into the main team.
- Launching a ‘B’ Team: Actively pursuing the establishment of a ‘B’ team for the next season, providing a crucial platform for young players to develop and bridge the gap to the senior squad.
- Reforming Football Schools: Implementing a unified management system for the club’s football schools, turning them into standardized talent-scouting bases under direct club supervision.
With a clear mandate and a comprehensive strategic plan, the new sporting leadership at Persepolis is poised to guide one of Iran’s most popular football clubs into a new era of structured growth and ambitious development.