Title: Persepolis FC at a Crossroads: Board to Decide Head Coach’s Future in Critical Meeting
A period of intense transformation is underway at Persepolis Football Club, with the club’s leadership poised to make a pivotal decision on the future of head coach Vahid Hashemian.
A Gathering Storm
Initial reports indicated that a board meeting to determine Coach Hashemian’s fate would be held today. However, the session has been rescheduled for Tuesday. This delay serves a dual purpose: to maintain the regularity of the board’s weekly meeting schedule and to allow for a more thorough analysis of the team’s current situation under his leadership. Consequently, Hashemian will remain at the helm for at least one more day, during which he is expected to answer for the team’s recent results and its overall prospects.
Mounting Pressure for Change
The momentum for a coaching change appears to be building. According to internal sources, a majority of the board’s technical staff members are now in favor of Hashemian’s dismissal, with the possibility of two additional members joining their ranks. This places the head coach’s position in serious jeopardy ahead of the crucial Tuesday meeting.
The Successor Shortlist
Should a change occur, the board has several candidates in consideration. The names of Osmar, Branko Ivankovic, and Gabriel Calderón have been circulated as potential replacements. Our correspondent understands that Osmar currently holds more favor within the board than the other two candidates. However, a significant portion of the Persepolis fanbase views the potential return of Branko Ivankovic as a less risky option, citing his extensive experience, proven ability, and deep knowledge of the club and the league.
A Race Against Time
The timing of any decision is critical. If the board, particularly the banking consortium with influence at the club, does not reverse its stance on dismissing Hashemian, a new head coach could be appointed swiftly. Given the availability of the primary candidates, a new manager could potentially arrive in Iran by Friday. However, some factors, including the recent change in the club’s CEO and ongoing player fines, could lead the consortium to pause further changes at least until after the upcoming match against Zob Ahan.
One club official noted, “The majority of the board believes that with a change, the new coach would have a better chance to improve the team’s condition before the key match against Tractor and to prepare for the city derby. But after the Zob Ahan game, there will be very little time.”
The stage is set for a defining moment in Persepolis’s season. The board meeting on Tuesday morning is anticipated to be one of the most significant in recent times, with intense deliberations and efforts to reach a consensus already underway.