Title: Esteghlal FC Defender Aref Gholami Addresses Team’s Performance and Coaching Transition
Tehran – Esteghlal FC defender Aref Gholami has broken his silence on the team’s recent challenges and the departure of former coach Ricardo Sá Pinto, projecting confidence in the squad’s ability to overcome its current hurdles.
Return from Injury and Team Morale
In a recent press briefing, Gholami confirmed his return to full fitness after a period on the sidelines. “My injury has been resolved for about five or six days now, and I am training with the team,” he stated. While acknowledging he is still catching up physically, the defender expressed optimism about quickly regaining his ideal condition.
Addressing the team’s recent string of unsatisfactory results, Gholami pointed to several factors, but emphasized a collective belief in the squad’s capabilities. “We are certainly unhappy with the results and hope to achieve our desired outcomes soon,” he commented.
Analyzing On-Field Challenges
Gholami identified the quality of the pitch as one element impacting the team’s performance. However, he highlighted a strong second-half display in a recent match as a sign of progress. “We played excellently and were just a bit unlucky,” he noted. “We are reaching our ideal condition. We don’t have major problems; there are some coordination issues among the influential players, but I am hopeful about this group. We need to bring our match performance closer to our training level, as we have a high standard in training.”
Integration of Foreign Players
Responding to questions about the performance of the team’s foreign signings, Gholami called for patience, stating they require time to adapt to the conditions of both the team and Iranian football. He firmly dismissed any speculation of internal divisions. “There is no disagreement between Iranian and foreign players. If there is any issue, it is natural, and such matters exist in teams all over the world.”
Clarifying the Coach’s Departure
The defender also provided clarity on the exit of former coach Ricardo Sá Pinto, refuting rumors of a dramatic locker room farewell. “Sá Pinto did not say goodbye in the locker room. His departure was normal because we reached an international break, which created a pause in the team’s training schedule,” Gholami explained, indicating a procedural transition rather than a contentious one.
Gholami’s comments project a unified front from within the Esteghlal camp, focusing on technical adjustments and team cohesion as the pathway back to winning form.