Sá Pinto’s Blueprint: Esteghlal’s Resurgence Begins with Crucial Victory
In a decisive match that could mark a turning point, Esteghlal FC secured a vital win against Mes Rafsanjan, with head coach Ricardo Sá Pinto expressing immense pride in his team’s performance and outlining his formula for the club’s future success.
A Victory Forged in Unity
Following a period of challenging results, the pressure was on for the Tehran-based giants. In the post-match press conference, a visibly pleased Sá Pinto was quick to credit his players’ resilience. “I am proud of my team,” he stated. “We have had difficult conditions in recent weeks, and the players were upset about the results. At Esteghlal, we are not used to losing. Our players were strong, united, and they worked hard.”
He emphasized the comprehensive nature of the performance, noting, “We were better in every aspect of the game. We created many opportunities, and if we had converted them, the result would certainly have been different. As I said before, sooner or later, we would win. We take it game by game, and the clean sheet was also very important for us.”
A Firm Rebuttal and a Focus on the Future
When reminded that the opposing coach believed Mes Rafsanjan had been the superior side, Sá Pinto offered a dismissive and witty retort: “I can only laugh. Perhaps they watched a different match!”
Despite the relief of the three points, the Portuguese manager was careful to temper expectations, acknowledging that the journey back to the top is a process. “A win against Mes was enough to get us out of a crisis, but it is not enough for this team to return to its golden days,” he admitted. “Right now, the result is the most important thing because we needed the points. Some players need to adapt to the team’s conditions, find their best form, and synchronize. We have started to grow, but we need time to achieve what we want.”
Building a Cohesive and Responsible Unit
Sá Pinto did not shy away from a critical self-assessment of his team’s defensive display, signaling a demand for constant improvement. “In my opinion, perhaps we were not very good defensively. We made mistakes that we must work on. Our players must be responsible,” he asserted, highlighting the need for accountability across the squad.
He also stressed the importance of squad depth, praising substitute players like Aref Aghasi for stepping up and performing well when called upon. “The season is very long. For a coach, it is good to have several options… All our players must be ready, whether they are in the starting eleven or on the bench.”
A Dedication and a Homecoming
The victory was made more poignant by Sá Pinto’s personal dedication to a club veteran, Kargar Jam, whom he had recently visited. He also expressed his sheer joy at returning to the dugout after a suspension, declaring, “I had missed the bench. I must say that I cannot live without winning, and I am very happy.”
With this win, Sá Pinto has laid down a marker. His focus on unity, responsibility, and a steady, game-by-game approach presents a clear political blueprint for navigating the high-stakes environment of one of Iran’s most prestigious football institutions. The message is clear: the rebuild at Esteghlal is underway.
