Nekounam set to replace Rabiei as Tractor head coach
Former Iran international Javad Nekounam is set to be unveiled as the new head coach of Persian Gulf Pro League club Tractor following the shock departure of Mohammad Rabiei, according to Iranian media reports.
Following a lengthy meeting between Tractor CEO Hojjat Karimi and Rabiei on Saturday night, the two sides ultimately agreed to go their separate ways amid differences between the club hierarchy and the coach.
The decision, coming days before the start of the new top-flight season, brings an abrupt end to Rabiei’s short spell on the Tractor bench. The former Khaybar and Zob Ahan coach replaced Croatian Dragan Skocic in February but was in charge for only three games.
Tractor defeated Golgohar 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Malavan, leaving the team second in the table before the Iranian league was suspended due to wartime circumstances in the country.
The Tabriz-based club then suffered a 3-0 defeat to UAE side Shabab Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite round of 16 in April.
Nekounam, meanwhile, has reportedly entered advanced talks with Tractor over the role. He has been without a club since leaving Esteghlal in June 2024, after guiding the Tehran giants to a runner-up finish behind archrivals Persepolis in the domestic league.
Tractor, who will represent Iran in the upcoming AFC Champions League Elite, will begin their domestic campaign against Paykan at home on Friday.