A former Esteghlal coach has come forward with a strong message for the Iranian club, urging them to retain Pitso Mosimane as their head coach and to make strategic investments in the upcoming transfer window to support the South African manager’s ambitions.
The call comes amidst a period of intense speculation surrounding Mosimane’s future with Esteghlal. Since taking over the managerial reins in 2023, Mosimane, one of Africa’s most successful coaches, has faced both challenges and triumphs in his efforts to guide the Iranian powerhouse back to the top of domestic and continental football. However, despite some positive results, questions have been raised about the club’s commitment to fully backing the manager, particularly in terms of squad strengthening.
When Mosimane arrived at Esteghlal, he inherited a team with a storied history but one that had fallen short of its lofty ambitions in recent seasons. Known for his tactical acumen and his ability to win major trophies, Mosimane immediately set about instilling a winning mentality and discipline within the squad. His reputation as a serial winner, including his successes with South Africa’s Al Ahly, where he claimed multiple CAF Champions League titles, gave the club and its supporters hope for a successful future.
However, despite a promising start, Mosimane’s tenure at Esteghlal has not been without its challenges. Critics point to the team’s inconsistent performances and the ongoing struggles in the Persian Gulf Pro League, where Esteghlal has failed to reclaim its former dominance. Additionally, the lack of significant investment in the squad has been a source of frustration for both Mosimane and the fans.
A former Esteghlal coach, speaking on the condition of anonymity, recently shared his thoughts on the situation, urging the club’s leadership to provide more support to Mosimane. The ex-coach emphasized that the South African manager is the right man to lead the team forward but needs backing in the transfer market to turn things around.
“Pitso Mosimane is an experienced coach, and he understands the demands of top-level football. He has proven himself in Africa, and he has all the qualities needed to succeed with Esteghlal. The club must give him the resources he needs to build a team capable of competing for championships, both domestically and in the AFC Champions League,” the former coach said.
“Esteghlal has a rich history and an incredible fanbase. If they want to return to the top, they need to give Pitso the tools to do so. This includes a strong transfer window, where they need to bring in quality players that complement his tactical vision. A coach can only do so much with the players at his disposal. The team needs reinforcements, and now is the time to act.”
The former Esteghlal coach stressed that the upcoming transfer window would be a crucial period for the club. With Mosimane known for his ability to identify and develop talented players, the window represents an opportunity for the club to bolster its squad and give the manager the depth he needs to challenge for silverware.
“We all know that the Persian Gulf Pro League is highly competitive. Teams like Persepolis, Sepahan, and others are not easy to beat. Esteghlal cannot afford to stand still in terms of squad development. Mosimane is a tactician, but without the right players, it becomes difficult to execute his vision on the pitch,” the former coach added.
The ex-coach highlighted that while Esteghlal had some talented players, there were areas of the team that needed strengthening, particularly in defense and midfield. A strong defensive unit and creative midfielders would allow Mosimane to implement his preferred style of play, which is based on a solid defensive foundation and quick transitions going forward.
“Pitso’s philosophy requires a well-balanced team with strong foundations at the back and creativity in the middle of the park. The club should invest in those areas, along with a reliable striker, to ensure that Mosimane’s tactics can be fully realized. The next few weeks will be crucial for the club’s future,” he said.
The call for support from the former coach also extends to the leadership of Esteghlal. In recent years, the club has been criticized for its lack of stability and decision-making at the top. The management’s commitment to Mosimane and their willingness to invest in the squad will be key factors in whether the coach can achieve his objectives.
“The management must demonstrate a clear commitment to the coach. A coach needs the trust and backing of the board, especially when things are not going as planned. Mosimane has a proven track record, but he needs time, patience, and, most importantly, resources,” said the former Esteghlal coach.
“There is no doubt that Mosimane is capable of achieving great things at Esteghlal, but this requires a long-term vision from both the coach and the club’s leadership. If they can work together, I believe the club will be back to competing at the highest level in no time.”
Esteghlal’s performance in the coming months will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. The club’s management faces a critical decision in how they proceed with Mosimane and the squad. If they choose to back the coach with the necessary resources, they may well be on the path to restoring Esteghlal’s dominance in Iranian and continental football.
For Mosimane, the challenge will be to stay focused and continue working with the squad, even as rumors swirl about his future. The manager has proven time and again that he is not easily distracted by external pressures, and his experience and leadership will be key in guiding Esteghlal through this critical period.
As the January transfer window approaches, the eyes of Esteghlal’s supporters will be fixed firmly on the club’s actions. The next few moves in the market could very well define the trajectory of Mosimane’s time in Iran and determine whether Esteghlal can regain their former glory under his leadership.
For now, the hope remains that Esteghlal’s board will heed the advice of those who understand the complexities of the game and provide the support that Mosimane needs to succeed. With the right investment and a collective effort from all parties, Esteghlal’s future could be bright once again.
