Title: Esteghlal Manager Calls for Respect and Fair Play Ahead of Capital Derby
In an official statement, Esteghlal Football Team Manager, Bijan Taheri, has emphasized the core mission of football as fostering empathy and social vitality, setting a respectful tone ahead of the highly anticipated capital city derby.
A Message of Unity and Respect
Speaking to the club’s official media, Taheri underscored the lessons learned from football’s revered figures, stating that the primary objective before any competition is to uphold public respect and dignity. “Recent events highlight that football becomes truly beautiful when we set aside partisanship and maintain mutual respect,” he remarked, advocating for a sport free from divisive prejudices.
Condemnation of Unacceptable Behavior
The manager expressed his deep regret over what he described as disrespect shown towards Esteghlal’s vast fan base, asserting that such conduct is entirely unacceptable. He noted that public opinion has roundly condemned these actions and expressed hope that authorities would deal with those responsible in a manner that ensures such breaches of respect are never repeated in the realm of sports.
Team Preparations Resume
On the operational front, Taheri announced that the senior team’s training sessions are scheduled to recommence on Wednesday. This restart will see the technical staff resume preparation for both domestic cup and Asian Championship matches. All players, with the exception of those on national team duty, will begin their training regimen in Tehran under the supervision of the coaching staff.
A Call for Equitable Scheduling
A significant part of Taheri’s address focused on the scheduling of the upcoming derby. While reaffirming the club’s commitment to the rules, he voiced the technical staff’s grievance with the league’s planning model. He pointed out that justice has not been applied equally in the lead-up to the capital derby, citing a competitive disadvantage for Esteghlal.
“Due to our participation in the Asian Champions League, our team has two days less rest than our opponents,” Taheri explained. “This scheduling congestion ultimately works against us. Our expectation from the league officials is to view the situation of both teams with an equal perspective and not to create a distinction between us and our rival.”