Sapinto’s Winning Blueprint: Esteghlal Tops the Table, Sets Sights on Championship
A Crucial Week Ahead
Esteghlal Tehran, riding a wave of positive results, faces a pivotal week in the Persian Gulf Pro League. Following their recent draw against Al Wasl, the team is now preparing for two critical domestic fixtures. The first is a match against Foolad Khuzestan on Sunday, setting the stage for the highly anticipated capital city derby the following Friday.
Overcoming Adversity Against Al Wasl
Former Esteghlal midfielder, Saeed Moraghechian, analyzed the team’s performance in their last outing. He praised the team’s strong start, stating, “Esteghlal began the match excellently and displayed a high level of play across all lines, even managing to score.” However, he pointed to the sudden injury of key player Munir El Haddadi as a major turning point. “El Haddadi’s exit was a significant shock,” Moraghechian explained. “It not only created a tactical challenge and disrupted the team’s rhythm but also had a negative psychological impact.”
He noted that while the team was dominant in the early minutes, they were forced onto the back foot and conceded a goal following the injury. Moraghechian also credited the opponent, adding, “It must be acknowledged that Al Wasl is a robust and well-organized team that played good football and had clearly analyzed Esteghlal’s tactics.”
The Sapinto Effect: A Cohesive Unit Emerges
Commenting on the team’s dramatic turnaround after a slow start to the season, Moraghechian expressed his unwavering belief in the squad. “From the very beginning when the team wasn’t getting results, I knew Esteghlal would progress,” he said. “The players have internalized a true will to win.”
He attributed this success to head coach Ricardo Sá Pinto, stating that the Portuguese manager has now fully identified his best lineup. “Sá Pinto has come to know the team’s combination, and we can see on the pitch that the players are in sync, forming effective partnerships and coordinating well with each other. The winning lineup is the same one Sá Pinto has been fielding in recent matches.”
Defensive Solidity and Room for Improvement
When asked about Esteghlal’s transformed defense, which has become a key strength, the former midfielder highlighted a key tactical adjustment. “Early in the season, the gap between the defense and midfield was too large, which is why we conceded many goals. Since [defender] Ashuramatov joined, he has been able to organize the defensive line. It’s fair to say his arrival has been beneficial for our team.”
Moraghechian also praised the synergy between defenders Rustam and Saman Fallah, as well as the contributions of Herdani, whom he described as “a very good player who participates effectively in both attack and defense.” He singled out captain Saleh Liaegh for his unwavering commitment, stating, “He gives 100 percent for the team.”
Despite the defensive improvements, Moraghechian identified a need for sharper finishing, noting that the forwards have at times appeared “rushed and imprecise in their final shots,” suggesting a lack of confidence compounded by pressure.
A Triple Crown Ambition
Looking at the season’s prospects, the Esteghlal veteran was unequivocally optimistic. “If we continue with this process and display our good style of play, we are the primary contenders for the championship in the current Persian Gulf Pro League season,” Moraghechian asserted. He went a step further, declaring that this Esteghlal squad has the quality to compete for top honors on multiple fronts. “This team can also be a contender for the Hazfi Cup and in Asian competitions, and bring home trophies.”