Rewritten Title: Farnoudizadeh: Questioning the Timing of Osmar’s Appointment at Persepolis
A Tactical Victory Overshadowed by Managerial Controversy
In the wake of a hard-fought victory, a prominent voice within Iranian football has raised serious questions about the management decisions at one of the country’s top clubs, Persepolis of Tehran. Morteza Farnoudizadeh, a respected football analyst, has dissected the team’s recent performance and the controversial timing of a new managerial appointment.
A Win Marred by Second-Half Caution
Farnoudizadeh began by analyzing Persepolis’s recent match, which ended a run of five draws and one loss. “The team was extraordinary in the first half,” he stated. He praised the tactical shift by then-coach Vahid Hashemian to a 3-5-2 formation, noting that it allowed the team to retain its core structure and deliver a strong performance. However, he expressed concern over the team’s reversion to a defensive mindset after scoring. “The attacking spirit disappeared,” he lamented, while acknowledging that midfielder Omid Alishah’s presence brought a certain vitality to the team.
The Right System, The Wrong Timing?
The analyst strongly endorsed the 3-5-2 system, calling it “interesting and effective” for a squad with Persepolis’s depth, particularly in the wing positions. He described the victory as a “positive shock” for the club. Yet, this tactical success was immediately overshadowed by the board’s decision to appoint Osmar Vieira as the new head coach, a move Farnoudizadeh labeled as “unprofessional.”
A Call for Patience and Respect
Farnoudizadeh voiced strong support for the departed Vahid Hashemian, a club legend. “This decision was not right at this time,” he asserted. “Vahid Hashemian was from the club’s own structure and should have been supported more. The results were not weak.” He drew a parallel with other major clubs like Sepahan and Traktor, which also experience periodic dips in form, arguing that patience should have been exercised.
He emphasized that the board should have trusted the young coach at least until the end of the first half of the season. “When the current coach is still training the team, negotiations should not be held simultaneously with another coach,” he stated, calling the handling of the transition disrespectful. “If I were in Vahid Hashemian’s place, I would step aside now and let Osmar take charge,” he added, highlighting the awkward position the club has created.
A Popular Coach in an Unpopular Situation
Farnoudizadeh was careful to clarify that his criticism is not directed at Osmar himself, whom he described as a “popular coach with a good standing at Persepolis.” His critique is aimed squarely at the board’s timing and process. “I wish Osmar had come to Persepolis under different circumstances,” he remarked, suggesting that if he were the intended choice, he should have been appointed at the season’s start.
Looking Ahead
The analyst also commented on the upcoming high-stakes match against Traktor, which is scheduled to be played without fans. He called this a misstep, stating that such a pivotal clash in Asian football loses its allure and passion without spectators.
In conclusion, Farnoudizadeh’s commentary paints a picture of a club at a crossroads—enjoying a tactical resurgence on the pitch but potentially undermining it with a contentious and hastily arranged managerial change off it. The core of his argument is a plea for professionalism, patience, and greater respect for club figures during challenging periods.