Title: A Tactical Shift at Esteghlal: Defensive Duo Reintegrated Amid Team Restructuring
In a significant development for Tehran’s Esteghlal Football Club, the team’s technical staff, led by Portuguese head coach Ricardo Sá Pinto, has overseen the return of two central defenders to first-team training, marking a potential turning point in the club’s strategy.
Addressing Defensive Vulnerabilities
The blue-clad club has faced a challenging season, with a primary area of concern being its defensive performance. Apart from their opening match, the team failed to keep a clean sheet in eight consecutive games, conceding a total of 18 goals. This defensive frailty has been a central topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike, prompting a period of tactical review and personnel evaluation by the coaching cadre.
The Saga of Aghasi and Sohrabian
Central defenders Aref Aghasi and Armin Sohrabian, who featured prominently in the initial matches, found their performances under intense scrutiny following several high-profile errors. The subsequent period saw the two players temporarily distanced from the main squad as the technical staff assessed the team’s composition.
Following a cooling-off period and internal discussions, the relationship between the players and Coach Sá Pinto has been mended. Both Aghasi and Sohrabian have now been reintegrated into training sessions. While their immediate return to the starting lineup for the upcoming match is considered unlikely, their presence signals a resolution to the previous complexities and provides the coach with enhanced options.
A New Competitive Landscape
Their reintegration comes at a time of heightened competition for defensive positions. The newly formed partnership of Rustam Ashurmatov and Saman Fallah, while not resulting in a clean sheet, has shown promising signs of stability. Furthermore, Aref Gholami, a player in whom Coach Sá Pinto holds particular confidence, has also returned to full fitness.
This creates a highly competitive environment in the heart of the defense. Any player aiming for a starting spot must now demonstrate consistent form and tactical discipline to earn their place. For Aghasi and Sohrabian, this represents a critical opportunity for redemption, though the path back to the first eleven is now more demanding than before. The club’s management and technical team continue to work diligently to solidify the squad’s performance for the challenges ahead.