Iran’s Esteemed Persepolis FC: Forging National Team Talent Through Club Excellence
In a recent press conference ahead of their match against Foolad Khuzestan, the head coach of Iran’s prominent Persepolis Football Club, Vahid Hashemian, outlined a philosophy that seamlessly blends club ambition with national duty, emphasizing a structured and disciplined approach to building a competitive team.
Strategic Use of FIFA Days and National Duty
Hashemian detailed how the recent FIFA international break was utilized not as downtime, but as a strategic period for development. While several key players were away representing Iran on the national and U-23 teams, the club provided well-deserved rest for its core squad before intensifying tactical reviews. Crucially, this period was also used to integrate promising young talents from the club’s academy and youth teams into first-team training, fostering their development within the club’s system.
“A key goal for us is to prepare quality players for the success of the national team,” stated Hashemian, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between club and country. He acknowledged that while the absence of national team players is a inherent challenge of FIFA dates, Persepolis’s primary objective is its own success, which in turn serves the larger goal of fortifying Team Melli with well-prepared, top-tier athletes.
A Call for Mutually Beneficial Cooperation
The coach emphasized that a productive relationship between clubs and the national football federation must be a two-way street. He cited instances where clear and prompt communication regarding player injuries, such as with Mohammad Khodabandelou, allowed for efficient care and recovery. Hashemian expressed hope for even more streamlined cooperation in the future to ensure the best possible management of player welfare, which ultimately benefits all of Iranian football.
Focus on Internal Development and Discipline
Addressing his vision for the club, Hashemian was clear that building a successful team is akin to managing a family, where discipline and respect are paramount. He spoke about the importance of supporting young players through challenges, understanding the fine line between necessary confrontation and providing help to guide their professional growth.
On recruitment, the coach outlined a meticulous, non-emotional strategy. Persepolis is not in a “race” to sign players based on reputation alone. The focus is squarely on technical quality, age, discipline, and how a player fits the team’s specific needs. While the club is open to strengthening the squad, it will first maximize the potential of its existing domestic talents before seeking foreign additions that can genuinely contribute.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
Acknowledging the current challenge of not playing in their home stadium, Azadi, Hashemian expressed hope for its swift readiness to restore that advantage for both the team and its passionate fans.
Despite not being a complete product yet, Hashemian assured that the team is on a positive trajectory. He is instilling a philosophy of attacking football aimed at scoring many goals while maintaining a solid defense—a process he admits requires hard work and time to perfect. He expressed high satisfaction with the players’ efforts and commitment to this project.
Concluding with a message to the devoted fanbase, Hashemian said, “We are working in a positive environment with high discipline and solidarity. External distractions will not affect us, and we hope to make our fans happy with good results.” This underscores a united front focused on progress, development, and achieving excellence for both Persepolis and, by extension, Iranian football.
