Head Coach Sapinto’s Firm Stance: Foreign Players Return as Esteghlal Gears Up
TEHRAN – In a decisive move underscoring his managerial authority, Esteghlal’s head coach, Ricardo Sapinto, has successfully navigated a brief team break, ensuring the timely return of his foreign players and rejecting requests for extended leave.
Following their match against Chadormalu and a subsequent pause in the Persian Gulf Pro League, Esteghlal players were granted a four-day holiday by Coach Sapinto. During this period, the Portuguese tactician and the team’s foreign contingent left Tehran for a short respite.
A Clear Directive from the Top
Reports indicate that during the break, some of the club’s foreign players communicated with Sapinto, seeking additional time off. The head coach, however, firmly denied these requests, demonstrating a clear focus on maintaining team discipline and preparation schedules.
Sapinto, who himself returned to Tehran yesterday morning with his technical staff, issued a direct instruction to foreign players Antonio Adan, Monir El-Haddadi, and Moussa Gnepo to ensure their punctual return to Iran. The players have complied with the directive, highlighting the effective communication and structure within the club.
Full Steam Ahead for League Return
The three foreign stars arrived in Tehran yesterday and are set to immediately rejoin team training sessions. Their return is crucial as the Blues intensify preparations for their upcoming Friday league fixture against Mes Rafsanjan.
Meanwhile, other foreign players from the squad are currently participating with their respective national teams and will be absent from Esteghlal’s drills until the conclusion of the current FIFA international window.