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Esteghlal backs head coach Sa Pinto despite poor run
The Theran Blues have managed a single victory in six outings across all competitions in the new campaign – a 1-0 away win against defending champion Tractor on the opening day of the Iranian top-flight season.
Sitting eighth in the Iranian league table with five points from four games, Esteghlal has had to settle for hard-fought home draws against Zob Ahan (3-3) and 10-man Paykan (2-2) either side of a 1-0 away loss to Esteghlal Khuzestan.
Arguably the lowest point in the club’s history, however, came last week when the Blues suffered a shock 7-1 defeat against Al Wasl in Dubai in their AFC Champions League Two Group A opener.
Sa Pinto returned to Blues’ bench for a second spell in June, having led Esteghlal to a third-place finish in the league and a place in the Hazfi Cup final in the 2022/23 season.
The Portuguese hoped to build on the club’s massive spending spree, which culminated in several high-profile summer signings – including former Barcelona winger Munir El Haddadi, ex-Sporting and Real Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Adan, Albania international Jasir Asani, and Iran international center-back Aref Aqasi.
However, despite the dire run of results raising questions over his future in recent days, the club looks poised to stick with the Portuguese coach.
In a meeting with the manager and technical advisor Clarence Seedorf, Esteghlal board and chairman Ali Tajernia pledged “full and unequivocal support” for Sa Pinto, according to the club’s statement on Tuesday.
“The necessary steps would be taken to address the team’s weaknesses and provide the manager with all the resources needed to turn the season around,” added the statement.
“Seedorf also voiced his support, emphasizing the importance of clearly defined roles within the club’s structure and pledging to work alongside the board and the head coach.
“For his part, Sa Pinto stressed that mutual understanding and support between the technical and managerial staff are essential for success – a sentiment that was well-received by the board.”
Next for Esteghlal and Sa Pinto is an away game against Shams Azar in the domestic league on Friday, before they resume action in the Asian second-tier club competition against Bahraini champion Al Muharraq in Tehran on Wednesday.