Strategic Rest for Esteghlal’s Stars Proves a Tactical Advantage
Esteghlal FC, a powerhouse in the Persian Gulf Pro League, is navigating a challenging period of intense scheduling and national team commitments. The club, boasting a significant number of domestic stars, has seen its squad stretched thin as players answer the call of duty for their respective national teams.
Several key foreign players, including Andong, Asani, and Nazem, have departed for FIFA international duty. The team’s resources are further impacted by the injury of Ashurmatov and the participation of players like Saharkhizan and Rezaeinea with the U-23 national team. Furthermore, a contingent of Esteghlal’s core—players such as Jalali, Rezaeian, Ahmadi, Cheshmi, and Koushki—were recently involved in the CAFA Nations Cup tournament, with Koushki returning early due to injury.
This mass exodus has left head coach Ricardo Sá Pinto conducting training sessions with a severely depleted squad, a significant concern as the team prepares for a demanding away match against Esteghlal Khuzestan in the intense heat of Ahvaz this Friday. The tight schedule offers little time for the entire team to train together cohesively before the crucial fixture, with players returning from international duty likely to be burdened by fatigue.
However, a silver lining has emerged from the recent CAFA final between Iran and Uzbekistan. In a move that benefits the club, Team Melli’s head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, utilized only Sadegh Moharrami from Esteghlal in his starting lineup. Key club players Jalali, Ahmadi, Cheshmi, and Rezaeian were named as substitutes, seeing limited or no playing time.
This strategic management by the national team means these vital players will return to their club with considerably less fatigue and a lower risk of injury. Their fresher condition provides Coach Sá Pinto with a more robust and ready contingent, potentially turning a period of squad disruption into a tactical advantage for the challenges ahead.
