Rewritten Title: Tartar Weighs In: A Veteran Coach’s Perspective on Hashemian’s Exit and the State of Iranian Football
Article:
Veteran Coach’s Candid Remarks Spark Discussion
In a recent gathering of Iran’s top football coaches, veteran manager Mehdi Tartar offered his insightful perspective on two of the most pressing topics in the nation’s sports scene: the integration of young coaches and the high-profile managerial change at Persepolis FC. His comments, made on the sidelines of the event, provide a seasoned look into the dynamics of Iranian football.
Advice for the Next Generation
When asked about the role of young coaches in Iranian football, Tartar emphasized a long-term, quality-focused approach. “Coaches usually have different philosophies,” he began. “As an experienced coach, my advice to the youth is that if they want to have longevity, they must focus on technical matters. If they want short-term, momentary success, they can focus on the peripherals. But to be durable, high-quality coaches who work for years, they must be forward-thinking.”
He further elaborated on the importance of reputation, stating, “We have players who are our ambassadors; when they leave a team, they talk about their previous coach in their next team. I just tell them to pursue clean and healthy football.”
On the Hashemian Departure: A Question of Timing
The conversation naturally turned to the recent departure of Vahid Hashemian from the helm of Persepolis. Tartar refrained from harsh criticism but questioned the timing of the decision. “In my opinion, Vahid gained good experience. Maybe many say it was bad for him, but no. Vahid can continue this job with strength. However, it wasn’t fair to change the coach after a victory.”
Addressing the club’s position in the league, he downplayed any sense of crisis. “There is no significant gap with the top of the table. A 3-4 point difference is nothing. We are at the beginning of the season.”
Dismissing the notion that Hashemian was a casualty of internal club politics, Tartar pointedly asked, “Mr. [Reza] Darvish was dismissed, so they could have given Mr. Hashemian two or three more weeks. How many years was Mr. [Osmar] Vieira a head coach? I think he was head coach for half a season at Persepolis, collected his resume, and went to Thailand. Could our Vahid Hashemian not have had the opportunity until the mid-season?”
He drew a parallel to another team’s recent turnaround, stating, “Wasn’t the situation for Mr. [Jose] Morais critical until three weeks ago? In three weeks, with three wins, they came to the top of the table. This wasn’t fair. In my opinion, the head coach should not have been changed after a victory.” He concluded by expressing his hope for Persepolis’s future success and his best wishes for Hashemian.
A Broader View on Opportunities for Domestic Coaches
When probed on whether he aspired to coach a top title-contending team, Tartar responded with a mix of contentment and realism. “Our heart desires many things. I’m not saying Gol Gohar is a bad team; it is a very good team and I am satisfied with the current conditions. However, there are four teams that are fighting for the championship and have separated themselves. Those four teams are usually given to coaches that will satisfy the fans.”
He touched upon a perceived preference for foreign managers, noting, “We respect the opinion of the fans, but they mostly like foreign coaches.” On the potential for Iranian coaches to compete for titles if given the same resources, he was unequivocal: “In my opinion, if our Iranian coaches had the facilities given to foreign coaches and the contracts that are made with them, and if they were trusted, they lack nothing.”