Persepolis rejects Hashemian sacking rumors
Persepolis head coach has the full backing of the club hierarchy despite a slow start to the new season, the Persian Gulf Pro League outfit has insisted.
Hashemian, who took his first senior managerial role in July after replacing former Turkish boss Ismail Kartal, has endured a below-par start to life in Persepolis, as his team has drawn four of its first five outings in the Iranian top flight.
The Reds’ sole victory of the campaign came against Sepahan (1-0) at Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Stadium on August 25, as Persepolis celebrated a first top-flight victory in the so-called ‘Iranian Clasico’ in 1,335 days.
A three-game winless run, coupled with a series of insipid performances, has sparked questions over Hashemian’s tactical acumen in recent days, with part of Persepolis fans jeering him after the final whistle following a goalless stalemate against Chadormalou in Tehran on September 19.
However, the club threw its full support behind Hashemian following a board meeting with the manager on Sunday.
“Persepolis FC rejects all rumors of a change in the coaching staff, confirming that Vahid Hashemian will continue as the head coach. The club also urges the fans to stand by the team with their support and patience,” read a brief club statement on Sunday.
Sitting fifth in the league table with seven points – one point adrift of Tractor on top – Persepolis will resume league action against second-placed Golgohar Sirjan at the Shahr-e Qods Stadium on Friday.