Title: A Tactical Reassessment: Key Defenders Reintegrated into Esteghlal’s Squad
In a significant squad development, Esteghlal FC’s head coach, Ricardo Sá Pinto, has reintegrated two central defenders, Aref Aghasi and Armin Sohrabian, back into first-team training. This move signals a potential shift in the team’s defensive strategy following a challenging start to the season.
Defensive Woes Prompt Rethink
Analytical reports highlight that Esteghlal’s primary struggle this season has been a consistently underperforming defense. Apart from their opening match, the team has failed to keep a clean sheet in eight consecutive games, conceding a total of 18 goals. This defensive fragility has been a major point of concern for the club’s management and its passionate fanbase.
A Path to Reconciliation
Aghasi and Sohrabian, who had been regular starters in the initial fixtures, faced intense scrutiny from supporters after a series of high-profile errors. Following controversial remarks made by the players, the technical staff made the decision to temporarily sideline them, bringing them to the brink of a departure from the club. However, after a period of reflection and a subsiding of the criticism, the relationship between the players and Coach Sá Pinto has reportedly improved, paving the way for their return.
While it is considered unlikely that either player will immediately start in the upcoming match against Mes Rafsanjan, their presence in training and the publication of positive images indicate a resolution to the previously complex situation. They have been granted a second chance to redeem themselves, but their path back to the starting eleven is now more challenging.
Intensified Competition for Starting Roles
The duo’s return coincides with the emergence of a new defensive partnership between Rustam Ashurmatov and Saman Fallah. Although a clean sheet remained elusive, their overall performance was deemed satisfactory by the technical staff. Ashurmatov, in particular, has delivered promising displays, making him a difficult player for the Portuguese coach to overlook.
Furthermore, with the addition of the reinstated players and Aref Gholami—a player Sá Pinto holds in high regard—competition for the two central defensive positions has reached its peak. The coaching staff now faces a positive selection dilemma, with multiple viable options to choose from for the crucial matches ahead. The final composition of the defensive line will be a key tactical decision, reflecting the coach’s ongoing efforts to solidify Esteghlal’s backbone.