Title: Esteghlal Board Backs Manager Saepto After Crucial Review Meeting
In a decisive move, the board of directors of Esteghlal Football Club has reaffirmed its support for Portuguese head coach Ricardo Saepto following an urgent meeting convened to address the team’s recent run of poor results.
The high-stakes meeting, held on Thursday, came in the wake of a disappointing defeat to Bahrain’s Al-Muharraq in the Asian Champions League, a result that extended a string of underwhelming performances by the Tehran-based giants.
A Season of High Hopes and Early Setbacks
The new season had begun with significant optimism for Esteghlal. The high-profile signings of international stars, including Yasser Al-Sahn, Moussa Genepo, Antonio Adan, and Munir El Haddadi, had fueled expectations of a triumphant return to form. However, the team’s performance has fallen dramatically short of these ambitions.
After an opening day victory over Tractor, the Blues have stumbled through a series of disappointing outcomes: a 3-3 draw with Zob Ahan, a 1-0 loss to Esteghlal Khuzestan, a heavy 7-1 defeat in their Asian campaign opener, a draw with Shams Azar, and the recent loss to Al-Muharraq. This sequence has sparked a wave of criticism and protest from the team’s passionate fanbase.
Fan Discontent and Club Apology
Following the Bahraini match, fans voiced their strong disapproval, directing sharp chants at Coach Saepto. Many supporters believe that, given the club’s successful acquisition of the technical staff’s requested players, the core issues lie with the team’s tactical and managerial direction.
In a swift response, the club issued an official statement apologizing to its dedicated fans for the recent results and confirming that an immediate review meeting with Saepto would be held to analyze the causes of the poor form.
Board’s Verdict: A Vote of Confidence
During Thursday’s comprehensive review, Saepto provided the board with a detailed explanation of the current circumstances. While the directors expressed serious concern over the team’s situation, they ultimately decided to maintain continuity. The board conveyed its hope that the team can halt its negative streak with a victory in the upcoming crucial match against Chadormalu Ardakan.
Navigating a Transfer Ban
A significant challenge discussed in the meeting was the recent closure of Esteghlal’s last two transfer windows. The club is prohibited from signing new players until the mid-season of the 26th league, a ruling described as a major shock to the team’s plans. In response, the board has resolved to pursue the case through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an effort to have the suspension overturned or annulled.
With only four days to prepare for the pivotal league encounter against Chadormalu, all eyes are on Esteghlal to see if the board’s show of faith in its manager can catalyze a much-needed turnaround on the pitch.