Head Coach Sá Pinto’s Verdict Awaits Two Esteghlal Players
Tehran – Following a brief hiatus after their sixth league match against Chadormalu Ardakan, the Esteghlal football team is set to resume training this Friday, with a key decision from head coach Ricardo Sá Pinto looming over the squad.
A Period of Contention
The focus is on two players, Aref Aghasi and Armin Sohrabian. The duo found themselves at the center of controversy following Esteghlal’s heavy 7-1 defeat to Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League. Post-match comments made by the players reportedly displeased the team’s Portuguese manager, casting doubt on their future with the club.
The Road to Redemption
Recent reports indicate that both Aghasi and Sohrabian have been training rigorously during the break, aiming to win back the favor of the technical staff and secure their return to the main squad. However, the final word rests with Sá Pinto. Sources close to the club confirm that the head coach has stated his intention to make a definitive decision on both players during the upcoming training period as the team prepares for its next competitive fixture.
Diverging Predictions on the Outcome
Speculation regarding the coach’s verdict is divided. Some observers believe Sá Pinto is unwilling to reintegrate the players and may permanently exclude them from his plans. Conversely, other sources suggest a possibility of clemency, indicating that the pair could be given a second chance.
This latter perspective is bolstered by the belief that the players have sufficiently understood their mistake during their time away from the starting lineup. It is widely anticipated that, should they be reinstated, they could rejoin group training ahead of Esteghlal’s Week 7 match against Mes Rafsanjan, giving them an opportunity to prove their worth for a spot in the main roster.
Esteghlal’s next challenge is scheduled for October 16th at 18:00 local time in Tehran, where they will host Mes Rafsanjan.