Brazilian Osmar replaces Hashemian as Persepolis head coach
Osmar Loss Viera was named the new head coach of Persepolis, taking charge of the Tehran Reds for a second spell, the Persian Gulf Pro League heavyweight announced on Monday.
The 50-year-old Brazilian takes over from Vahid Hashemian, who was relieved of his duties this week following a run of poor results and drab performances in the new Iranian top-flight season.
Hashemian was appointed to the Persepolis job for his senior managerial debut in July but his short stint ended after his team managed only two victories – conceding one defeat – in eight league games. Even the 2-0 home victory over Zob Ahan on Friday did little to save the Iranian’s future on the Reds’ bench.
When Osmar was given the Reds’ role midway through the 2023/24 season, his appointment drew scrutiny from some Persepolis fans and former players, who believed the club should have hired a more prominent coach to continue the club’s trophy-winning tradition.
However, the Brazilian is set to receive a hero’s welcome on his return to the club, having led Persepolis to its seventh top-flight title in eight years during his previous half-season spell, as the Reds will look to avoid a second successive season without the league title.
Osmar, who parted ways with Buriram United earlier in the month, steered the Thai League 1 outfit to a domestic treble and the ASEAN Club Championship trophy, as well as an impressive last-eight spot in the AFC Champions League Elite last season.
Persepolis is seventh in the Iranian league table with 11 points – two points adrift of archrival Esteghlal on top – and will visit Tabriz to face defending champion Tractor on Thursday.
Osmar is unlikely to sit on the bench due to contract issues, with Karim Baqeri set to be in charge for the highly-anticipated fixture.