Title: Persepolis Star Reflects on Team Dynamics Under Former and Current Management
Introduction: A Player’s Journey Through Managerial Change
Reza Shokari’s tenure at Sepahan FC was marked by significant shifts, both in his personal performance and the team’s overall atmosphere. Initially brought to the club by Portuguese manager José Morais, Shokari’s relationship with the coach became strained over time. However, the arrival of new French manager Patrice Carteron marked a transformative period for the player, who subsequently became one of the team’s most influential figures.
The Morais Era: A Relationship Sours
Shokari acknowledged the efforts of his former manager, stating, “Mr. Morais worked hard for the team and was there for two and a half seasons.” He recounted his transfer, noting that the club had formally requested him after a strong season with Gol Gohar, even agreeing to pay a fee for his release.
His first season started positively, though a month-and-a-half-long injury setback temporarily halted his progress. “After I returned, I was on the bench for four games,” Shokari explained. “But then, seeing there was no replacement for the left midfielder position, they brought me back into the lineup, and everything was good until the season ended.”
A Shift in Focus and Dressing Room Dynamics
Shokari offered a candid perspective on the final half-season under Morais, suggesting a change in the manager’s approach. “My personal opinion is that he became completely involved in matters outside of football and lost focus,” he claimed. He described training sessions where drills were drawn out to the point where players grew impatient.
“Footballers generally don’t like training to be stopped too much,” Shokari noted. “If a coach’s talk goes on for more than ten minutes, they stop listening.” He concluded that Morais eventually realized the lack of support from fans, the club, and players, leading to his decision to depart.
A New Chapter: Confidence Under Carteron
In stark contrast, Shokari praised the impact of incoming manager Patrice Carteron. “When Mr. Carteron arrived, the conditions at Sepahan were excellent, but the situation had reached a point from which there was no return,” he said, referencing the team’s state prior to the change.
Shokari highlighted Carteron’s ability to instill confidence in the squad. “He would announce the lineup before the game and say, ‘The work has been done throughout the week; there’s no need for more talk. Go out and win.’ And we would go out and win the match. He was a very classy and gentlemanly coach.” This renewed sense of trust and clear direction was credited with revitalizing both Shokari’s form and the team’s performance.