Title: Nurturing the Next Generation: Persepolis Academy’s Strategic Focus on Youth Development
Introduction
In a significant move to bolster its long-term competitiveness, Persepolis Football Club is intensifying its focus on youth development. The club’s academy is actively identifying and nurturing promising young talents, aiming to strengthen both the team and the national football landscape.
Addressing a Strategic Priority
A key strategic challenge for Persepolis, and Iranian football broadly, has been the need to cultivate a robust pipeline of high-quality young players. Many teams, including Persepolis, have contended with high average squad ages, a trend that also impacts the national team. The current initiative represents a proactive shift towards building a sustainable future by investing in the next generation of football stars.
A New Chapter in Coaching Expertise
Central to this renewed focus is the recent appointment of Michael Oenning, an experienced German coach, as an assistant to head coach Vahid Hashemian. Oenning brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive background in the Bundesliga and a proven track record in youth development. His expertise is viewed as a major asset for the technical growth of Persepolis’s most promising players.
A Proven Developer of World-Class Talent
Oenning’s credentials are underscored by his history of working with and developing some of football’s biggest names. During his tenure with the youth teams at VfL Bochum, he worked closely with İlkay Gündoğan, who has since become a star for the German national team and a top European midfielder. Furthermore, Oenning played a pivotal role in the technical progression and rise of South Korean superstar Son Heung-min during their time together at FC Nürnberg and Hamburger SV.
Looking to the Future
The integration of such experienced international expertise into the Persepolis technical staff signals a ambitious and forward-thinking approach. The club’s strategy is clear: to provide its young talents with the highest level of guidance and training. The football community will be watching with keen interest to see how this investment in youth development translates into success on the pitch, potentially yielding the next stars for both Persepolis and the national team.