Head Coach Sapinto Bets on Revamped Lineup as Esteghlal Faces Critical Juncture
In a high-stakes encounter that transcends a mere football match, Tehran’s Esteghlal is set to face Chadormalu Ardakan amidst what many are calling the most critical period of their season. The pressure is squarely on head coach Ricardo Sapinto, with fans and pundits alike viewing this game as his final opportunity to turn the tide.
A Season on the Brink
The famed “Blue-Bloods” of Iranian football are navigating turbulent waters. The team enters this fixture on the back of a six-match winless streak, comprising three consecutive draws and three losses, including a bitter defeat to Bahrain’s Al-Muharraq. This run of poor form has placed the squad and its management under intense scrutiny, transforming a regular league match into a vital battle for survival and prestige.
Sapinto is acutely aware that anything less than a victory could signal the end of his tenure. In response, he has finalized a starting eleven featuring several calculated changes, aiming to inject fresh energy and resolve into the lineup to steer the team out of its current crisis.
A Formidable Opponent
Standing in their way is a well-prepared and undefeated Chadormalu Ardakan, coached by Mohammad Saeed Akhbari. Known for their fighting spirit and a cohesive defensive structure that has yet to be broken this season, Chadormalu presents a formidable challenge. A win against the struggling giants could even propel them to the top of the league table, adding another layer of intensity to the clash at Takhti Stadium.
Sapinto’s Strategic Shifts
The announced lineup reveals Sapinto’s strategy to reclaim stability and offensive threat.
- Between the Posts: Young goalkeeper Habib Farabbasi retains his spot, seeking his first clean sheet for the senior team and aiming to justify the technical staff’s continued faith.
- Defensive Reinforcements: The backline sees the crucial return of international defender Rouzbeh Cheshmi, whose versatility is a key asset. He is paired with the experienced Uzbek defender Rustam Ashurmatov, who is regaining fitness and is expected to bring composure. Speedy full-back Saleh Hardani makes a welcome return to the starting lineup, replacing Ramin Rezaeian.
- Midfield Mission: In midfield, Gabonese international Didier Ndong is under the spotlight, carrying a strong motivation to redeem himself after a costly error in the previous match. He is joined by Mehran Ahmadi, one of the few consistently positive performers in recent weeks, tasked with linking the defense to the attack.
- Attacking Hopes: The offensive responsibilities fall to a mix of established and emerging talent. Spanish-Moroccan winger Munir El Haddadi, still seeking his peak form, retains the coach’s trust. He is flanked by Albanian winger Yaser Asani and the energetic Alireza Koushki. Leading the line is young striker Saeed Saharkhizan, who has earned a call-up to the national U-23 team and is highly motivated to score his first goal for Esteghlal.
As the whistle blows, all eyes will be on whether Sapinto’s revamped selection can withstand the pressure and deliver a performance that saves their season and secures the coach’s future.