Title: Ahmadzadeh’s Firm Stance on Positional Dispute Reaches Hashemian
Subheading: Persepolis Manager Grapples with Team Selection Amidst String of Draws
Tehran – The Persepolis football club is navigating a challenging phase in the current season under manager Vahid Hashemian. The team’s recent form, marked by five draws in the last six weeks, has intensified scrutiny on the manager’s tactical decisions and team management.
A Season of Struggle
While analysts acknowledge that Hashemian inherited a squad less star-studded than in previous years and lacking balance—with clear weaknesses in key positions like central midfield, right defense, and striker—many believe the manager’s own choices have significantly contributed to the current predicament. Critics point to what they describe as puzzling and error-prone line-ups, where players are often deployed out of their natural positions, leading to a sharp decline in the team’s overall efficiency.
The Left-Back Conundrum
A particular point of contention has been Hashemian’s insistence on using Farshad Ahmadzadeh as a left-back. This decision has raised eyebrows, given the presence of Milad Mohammadi, a specialist left-back and national team player, in the squad. Despite Mohammadi’s readiness and expertise, he has consistently been left on the bench in favor of Ahmadzadeh, whose preferred and natural position is right winger.
A Player’s Ultimatum
Reports indicate that Ahmadzadeh was never in favor of this positional shift from the start of the season. After being fielded as a left-back in all six league matches with performances that drew criticism from both fans and pundits, the player has reportedly reached a breaking point. Facing mounting pressure and vocal dissent from supporters in the stadium, Ahmadzadeh has communicated a firm message to Manager Hashemian: he is no longer willing to play in this unfamiliar position, even if it means being relegated to the bench.
A Potential Resolution
This development appears to be forcing a tactical reconsideration. For the upcoming match against Kheybar, it is highly anticipated that Milad Mohammadi will be reinstated to his natural left-back role, a move that many hope will bring stability to Persepolis’s defensive line and help reverse the team’s current fortunes.