Sappingto’s Costly Stumbles: A Rocky Start for Esteghlal’s High-Profile Project
Esteghlal Tehran’s ambitious campaign in the Iranian Premier League has hit an early snag, raising questions just three weeks into the new season. Despite assembling one of the league’s most expensive squads under manager Ricardo Sappingto, the team has already experienced both a draw and a defeat, mirroring a concerning pattern from the previous year.
A Setback in Khuzestan
The team’s journey took an unexpected turn in Week Three with a 1-0 loss to Esteghlal Khuzestan. This result dashed early hopes of an unbeaten run for the star-studded Tehran side, which had been dubbed the league’s most valuable team following its significant investments in the transfer market under the management of Ali Tajernia.
Echoes of the Past
The current start has unsettling parallels to the beginning of the last season under former manager Javad Nekounam. That campaign, which ultimately saw the team finish in a disappointing 10th place, also began with a win, followed by a draw and then a loss to Esteghlal Khuzestan. While the team’s fortunes were partially salvaged by a triumphant Hazfi Cup victory, the initial league form is a cause for vigilance among the club’s supporters.
The Sappingto Factor
The return of the passionate and well-known coach Ricardo Sappingto had initially reignited hope among the Azadi faithful. His mission is to complete what he views as “unfinished business” from his previous tenure. However, his presence on the sidelines has been delayed due to a suspension carried over from his last stint, forcing him to watch the recent setbacks from the stands.
The Path Forward
Football analysts suggest that while Sappingto’s eventual return to the technical area will be a significant boost, his passionate management style requires a strong, stabilizing presence within the team’s administration to ensure focus and discipline. The core strength of the squad is not in doubt, evidenced by their impressive opening-week victory against defending champions Tractor in Tabriz. The key will be to channel that potential into consistent results and avoid the costly stumbles that have characterized the early season. The project at Esteghlal remains on track, but the need for composure and resilience is clearer than ever.
