Title: Esteghlal Manager Calls for Focus on Performance, Not League Standings
Tehran – In a press conference ahead of their upcoming match, Esteghlal’s young manager, Mehdi Rahmati, emphasized a philosophy of concentrated effort over premature celebration. Despite the team’s strong start to the season with two consecutive victories, placing them at the top of the Persian Gulf Pro League table, Rahmati has explicitly banned any discussion of the league standings within his squad.
A Crucial Home Fixture
The team is set to host Fajr Sepasi Shiraz in what Rahmati described as a highly challenging match. He praised the opponent as a “good, likable, and powerful team” with a strong, knowledgeable technical staff and experienced players. Rahmati expressed confidence in his own team’s high motivation, highlighting the advantage of playing at home with the support of their dedicated fans. He stated the clear objective is to leave the pitch with all three points.
Managing Expectations for a Young Squad
A central theme of Rahmati’s address was a direct appeal to media and supporters to manage their expectations. He underscored the youth of his squad, noting that Esteghlal is one of the few teams in Iran with only two players over the age of 30.
“I ask you and our dear fans to refrain from creating excessive expectations and not to demand too much from the team,” Rahmati stated. He explained that while the team has clear objectives, heavy criticism and public pressure could be psychologically damaging to the young players. He called for continued positive energy and support, promising that the team would give their absolute maximum effort on the field.
A Landmark Occasion at the Stadium
The manager also noted the significance of the upcoming match, which will see female and male spectators present together at Takhti Stadium for the first time. Rahmati described this as a “different and exciting” atmosphere and expressed hope that the fans’ full focus would be on supporting the team throughout the 90 minutes.
The Path Forward: One Game at a Time
Reiterating his core message, Rahmati confirmed he has instructed his players to ignore the league table entirely. “We are taking it game by game, paying no attention to the standings,” he said. He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football, where wins, draws, and losses are all part of the journey, and emphasized the importance of learning from each result to foster the team’s continuous development.
The team reports a fully healthy and prepared squad with no suspended or injured players ahead of the crucial encounter.