Persian Gulf Pro League:
Persepolis back to winning ways but Hashemian’s future in doubt
Persepolis secured only a second win in eight games at the new Persian Gulf Pro season, defeating Zob Ahan 2-0 at the Shahr-e Qods Stadium on Friday.
Persepolis striker Mohammad Omri found the net in his first start of the season with a superb curling effort from the edge of the box in the 37th minute, before prolific striker Ali Alipour headed home his fifth goal of the campaign eight minutes from normal time.
The victory helped Persepolis – which is chasing an eighth top-flight title in a decade – end a six-game winless run in the Iranian league. However, it could still prove to be the swan song for head coach Vahid Hashemian.
Numerous reports in Iranian media on Saturday suggested that the club has agreed terms with Brazilian Osmar Loss Viera, who is expected to take charge of the Reds for a second spell in the coming days.
Hashemian replaced Turkish coach Ismail Kartal for his senior managerial debut in July but his tenure in nearing the end after less than four months following a run of drab performances and five frustrating draws in the league.
Osmar, meanwhile, will be treated to a hero’s welcome by the Persepolis faithful, having led the Reds to the 2023/24 league crown in his previous stint.
Osmar left Persepolis after his title-winning campaign to join Buriram United, winning a domestic treble as well as the ASEAN Club Championship with the Thai League 1 outfit last season.