Title: Team Melli’s Al Ain Stalemate: Manager Ghalenoei Faces Mounting Scrutiny
The recent four-nation tournament in Al Ain, UAE, has intensified the pressure on Iran’s national football team manager, Amir Ghalenoei. Rather than providing a platform for technical improvement, the team’s performance has amplified criticisms concerning internal discipline and on-pitch management.
A Tournament of Unfulfilled Objectives
Traveling to Al Ain, Manager Ghalenoei and his technical staff aimed to utilize the FIFA-day opportunity to assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses against varied opponents. However, the team concluded the tournament without scoring or conceding a single goal across two consecutive matches. This outcome fell short of both the stated objectives and the expectations of football analysts, leaving many questions unanswered.
Beyond the scorelines, more alarming signs emerged. Observers pointed to a visible lack of on-field organization, with scenes of confusion—such as the spontaneous selection of penalty takers—raising serious concerns. Critics have labeled these incidents as symptomatic of deeper issues within the squad’s structure.
From “Player-Oriented” Philosophy to On-Field Reality
Upon accepting the leadership of Team Melli in March 2023, Ghalenoei made a key distinction, stating, “I am player-oriented, but not player-driven.” His initial approach prominently featured and praised established stars, fostering an environment that revolved around key players.
Three years later, the dynamic appears to have shifted. Analysts suggest that in critical moments, player influence has overshadowed technical decisions. A prominent example cited was during a match where Mehdi Taremi, in his 100th national team appearance, ceded a crucial penalty to Milad Mohammadi in the final against Uzbekistan, which was subsequently missed. Such incidents are viewed by many as indicative of a dilution of the technical staff’s authority.
The Discipline Deficit
The national team was envisioned to become a model of order and focus under Ghalenoei. However, recurring events in recent camps have reportedly diverted the team from this initial goal. A perceived lack of restrictions, particularly concerning players’ social media activity and public statements, has led critics to question the managerial staff’s ability to enforce discipline. This perceived leniency, it is argued, has created an environment where players feel few boundaries exist.
A Difficult Balancing Act
While fans expect team discipline to be paramount, the reality of the current camp suggests a reluctance to confront star players. Many observers believe that if disciplinary actions are taken, they are more likely to target peripheral squad members rather than the team’s core stars. This approach, critics warn, leaves the fundamental challenge of managing high-profile players unresolved, potentially at the cost of team cohesion.
A Chorus of Criticism Grows
Dissatisfaction with the team’s management style has expanded. Initially, technical critiques were limited to a few figures. Now, the circle of critics has widened to include former colleagues and friends of Ghalenoei, a rare occurrence that underscores a significant divide in expert opinion regarding the team’s current state.
As Team Melli prepares for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the pressure is mounting. The current trajectory highlights a need for more decisive, transparent, and authoritative management to steer the team toward the stability and success the nation expects.