Head Coach Rouhan-khah’s Youth-Focused Blueprint for Olympic Qualification
Following a decisive 4-0 victory over Hong Kong, the head coach of Iran’s U-23 national football team, Omid Rouhan-khah, has clearly articulated his strategic vision. The core of his plan is a systematic focus on building a squad for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers around players who will remain within the eligible age bracket for the next two seasons.
This long-term developmental strategy was on full display during the recent match. The starting lineup featured four players under the age of 21, with an additional four U-21 players substituted into the game. This significant number is not merely a statistic; it is a direct reflection of a deliberate philosophy to select and develop the next generation of talent.
Building a Team for Today and Tomorrow
Rouhan-khah’s methodology is designed to instill intensity, speed, and physical resilience into the squad—attributes deemed critical for navigating the challenging group stages of the continental qualifiers. Training sessions are being held at the same time as official matches, players are being rotated through different positions, and efficient use of substitutions is being emphasized. This approach is intended to acclimate the team to the physical demands of high-pressure games while also providing tactical flexibility to experience multiple systems within a single match.
In essence, the coach is constructing a younger-than-usual squad with a clear focus on the future. The objective is to build a team that can secure results in the present while simultaneously increasing Iran’s chances of securing an Olympic ticket.
A Systematic Selection Process
This overarching framework also provides context for recent selection decisions. The case of Mojtaba Fakhrian, a promising 22-year-old winger from Persepolis, is a prime example. While Fakhrian possesses significant technical potential, Coach Rouhan-khah’s current selection policy demonstrates a systematic preference for players under 21. This prioritization is designed to maximize the developmental window available to younger athletes, ensuring a stronger team in the long run.
While this approach means Fakhrian has missed out on the current U-23 national team qualifiers, the young player continues his efforts to earn his first official cap with his club team under coach Vahid Hashemian.