Esteghlal FC Embarks on Strategic Training Camp Ahead of Pivotal Matches
Iranian football powerhouse Esteghlal Tehran is set to depart the capital for an intensive and strategically planned training camp. The move, orchestrated by head coach Ricardo Sá Pinto, is designed to optimize the team’s preparation for a demanding schedule of domestic and international fixtures.
The squad is scheduled to fly to Ahvaz on Thursday for their upcoming Persian Gulf Pro League match against Esteghlal Khuzestan. However, in a significant deviation from standard procedure, the team will not immediately return to Tehran after the Friday night game.
A Calculated Move for Optimal Preparation
Instead, the team plans to travel directly from Ahvaz to Kish Island. A club official confirmed the strategy, stating that Coach Sá Pinto was highly satisfied with the previous training camp conditions on the island. The choice was made based on its high levels of tranquility, excellent pitch quality, and crucially, climatic conditions that closely mirror those of Dubai.
This similarity is key, as the Blues are scheduled to fly from Kish to Dubai for their AFC Champions League match against Al Wasl. The meticulously planned itinerary aims to have the team return to Tehran in the early hours of Thursday, just after the Dubai match, to prepare for their next domestic league game on September 20.
Prioritizing Focus and Seclusion
While the club administration confirmed its capability to facilitate a full training camp in the UAE, Coach Sá Pinto emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s focus and seclusion. The preference for Kish Island allows the squad to train away from the public eye while simultaneously acclimatizing to Gulf-like weather conditions, mirroring what they will face in Dubai. This approach underscores a professional commitment to creating the ideal environment for athletic performance and strategic concentration ahead of crucial contests.