Rewritten Title: Leadership Shuffle: Six Candidates Emerge for Persepolis FC’s Managerial Vacancy
Article:
Crisis at the Helm: Persepolis Seeks New Leadership After Managerial Departure
A state of urgency has enveloped Persepolis Football Club following a significant shake-up in its management structure. The team’s recent defeat in the seventh week of the league prompted the resignation of the club’s CEO, Reza Darvish, creating a power vacuum at the top. This development has intensified scrutiny on the position of head coach, Vahid Hashemian.
Under Hashemian’s leadership, the team’s performance, in terms of points accrued, has been below expectations, with only 8 points secured after seven matches. This record has sparked a fervent debate among the club’s decision-makers and its vast fanbase. While a segment of supporters advocates for giving the coach more time, a larger contingent is calling for an immediate change in leadership to revitalize the team’s fortunes before the gap with rivals widens further.
The Contenders: A Mix of Familiar Faces and New Prospects
The internal debate has rapidly translated into a shortlist of potential candidates to take charge. The names circulating point to a search for a figure capable of steadying the ship and returning the club to its winning ways.
Front-Runners for the Role
Three individuals are currently considered the leading candidates:
- Osmar Vieira: The Brazilian coach, recently departed from Buriram United in Thailand, is a familiar and fondly remembered figure. He previously led Persepolis to a championship during a short tenure. His key advantages are his existing knowledge of the Iranian league, the club’s structure, and his current availability.
- Branko Ivanković: Often termed the architect of Persepolis’s modern era, the Croatian coach is a fan favorite. Having led the club to three league championships, his legacy is secure. Now unattached after his stint with the Chinese national team, rumors suggest he has re-entered negotiations for a sensational return.
- Patrice Carteron: The French manager is another prominent name in the mix. He previously managed Sepahan FC but left at the beginning of this season. Reports indicate Carteron is open to a return to Iranian football, making him a viable external candidate.
Additional Candidates Under Consideration
Beyond the primary trio, the club’s radar includes three other coaches, showcasing a broad search strategy:
- Gabriel Calderón: The Argentine had a brief, unfinished stint with Persepolis, departing previously over contractual issues. He is reportedly being considered for a second chance.
- Paco Jémez: The Spanish coach is known for implementing an organized and attacking style of football during his time at Tractor FC. While he lacks prior experience with Persepolis, his tactical philosophy makes him an interesting option.
- Hossein Abdi: The only domestic candidate on the list, Abdi is a former Persepolis player and coach who has recently been focused on youth development at the national level. He represents the potential for an internal solution favored by some club managers.
As the club’s board weighs its options, the appointment of the next manager will be a critical decision, one that will shape the immediate future and strategic direction of one of Iran’s most prominent football institutions.