Golmohammadi enduring tough start to life in Iraqi top flight
Head coach Yahya Golmohammadi is enduring a difficult start to life with Duhok in the Iraqi top flight, with the club failing to register a victory in its first four matches of the new Iraq Stars League season.
The Iranian coach’s presence at Duhok, along with the continued tenure of compatriot Alireza Mansourian at Al Talaba, has drawn increased attention from Iranian football fans to the Iraqi league. Several other Iranian players are also plying their trade in Iraq, with Siavash Yazdani and Jafar Salmani joining Al Talaba during the summer transfer window, while Sina Moridi, Sina Asadbeigi and Mohammadreza Soleimani followed Golmohammadi to Duhok.
A three-time Iranian league champion as Persepolis coach, Golmohammadi, who had also been linked with a return to the Tehran Reds in the summer, took charge of Duhok after an inconsistent spell with Foolad Khuzestan toward the end of his time in the Iranian Premier League. His move to Iraq was expected to provide a fresh start, but his beginning at Duhok has fallen short of expectations, with criticism from the club’s supporters and Iraqi media emerging after only four games.
Duhok began last season in similarly disappointing fashion, losing their first four matches before finally beating Newroz in their fifth outing.
The club’s management subsequently turned to Golmohammadi in an attempt to change the team’s fortunes, improve on last season’s results and establish Duhok as a contender. The club also enjoyed a busy transfer window ahead of the new campaign, signing many of the players targeted by the Iranian coach.
The results, however, have yet to improve significantly.
Golmohammadi’s side has opened the new campaign with four consecutive draws, and while that represents four more points than Duhok had collected at the same stage last season, its failure to secure a victory remains a major concern.
The performances of the Iranian additions have also failed to meet expectations, particularly Soleimani, who has struggled to make an impact as Duhok’s leading striker. Their underwhelming displays have further fueled criticism of Golmohammadi’s recruitment and the team’s overall performances.
Duhok supporters, despite acknowledging the team’s improved points tally, have voiced considerable dissatisfaction with the way the side has performed and have quickly grown frustrated with Golmohammadi.
The situation has been further complicated by reports that Golmohammadi has expressed concerns over Duhok’s financial and administrative situation and has clashed with club officials.
Iraqi media have also circulated claims that the Iranian coach could be considering a return home. Sport Iraq, following Duhok’s fourth consecutive draw of the season, criticized Golmohammadi and alleged that his mind was already in Iran because Sepahan had contacted him.
The report further claimed that Golmohammadi had fallen out with Duhok officials and suggested that the coach was “only physically in Iraq,” while his thoughts were in Iran. The claims have not been confirmed by Golmohammadi, Duhok or Sepahan.
Golmohammadi has so far remained silent amid the criticism and speculation. His response to Duhok’s difficult start, as well as the reports linking him with a possible move to Sepahan, will be closely watched as the season progresses.