Title: Esteghlal FC Looks to Solidify Defense for Upcoming Multi-Front Campaign, Says Club Legend
Tehran – Despite recent defensive setbacks, former Esteghlal striker Abbas Sorkhab expressed strong optimism about the club’s overall trajectory and its prospects in the upcoming domestic and continental competitions.
In an interview, Sorkhab acknowledged the team’s conceded goals in the recent Super Cup and a 3-3 league draw with Zob Ahan but emphasized the promising and hopeful style of football displayed by the Blues. “We saw that Esteghlal concedes goals too easily in the defensive line,” Sorkhab noted, pinpointing a critical area for improvement, particularly from set-pieces.
A Strategic Summer Transfer Window
Sorkhab highlighted the club’s successful summer recruitment as a primary reason for his positive outlook. He stated that Esteghlal had “excellent recruitment” this year, managing to secure two or three quality players for nearly every position. This depth, he argued, provides head coach Ricardo Sá Pinto with significant tactical flexibility.
“This is a winning card for Esteghlal,” Sorkhab explained, “allowing for workload management across the squad to prevent excessive fatigue and reduce the risk of injuries.” This strategic roster building is seen as vital for a team competing simultaneously in the Iran Pro League, the Hazfi Cup, and the AFC Champions League.
Balancing Attack with Defensive Solidity
The former international pointed to the team’s potent attack, evidenced by their ability to score three goals in a single match, as a major strength. “With the presence of a large number of forward and offensive players, we should not be concerned about scoring goals,” he remarked.
The key, according to Sorkhab, is finding the right balance. “If we score three and concede none, then the conditions for Esteghlal will be ideal.” He expressed confidence that the defensive coordination between the backline and the goalkeeper would improve as the season progresses, citing the strong team spirit demonstrated in coming back from a three-goal deficit.
The Sá Pinto Factor and Future Prospects
Sorkhab identified the only current shortfall as the temporary absence of Coach Sá Pinto from the touchline, a situation he believes will be resolved within the next few games. “Certainly, with the completion of the Esteghlal team on the pitch and on the bench, conditions for achieving better results will improve.”
Concluding with a forward-looking statement, Sorkhab expressed his conviction that the current squad is poised to erase the disappointments of the previous season for its fans and veterans, contingent upon strengthening its defensive foundations.
