Behtash Fariba, a veteran of Esteghlal football team, commented on the match of the blue-clad team against Al-Shamal of Qatar in the fourth week of the Asian Elite League, stating: "I haven't seen Al-Shamal's games, but the results of this team indicate that Esteghlal does not have an easy opponent ahead. Apart from their last game against Al-Sadd, which they lost four to one, they have not had bad results. Al-Shamal managed to defeat Al-Hilal three to one in the third week of the Asian Elite League and will face Esteghlal with good morale."
Focus on Esteghlal's Abilities
He added: "Esteghlal does not have an easy game ahead, but instead of focusing on the opponent, it should think about its own abilities. Esteghlal must have a plan for every minute of this match and execute its plans on the field."
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The Esteghlal veteran noted: "Al-Shamal has several good foreign players, the most important of whom is Riyad Mahrez. He is a capable and well-known player and can certainly play an important and influential role in Al-Shamal's lineup. Esteghlal players must be very careful with him and not allow him to showcase his abilities."
Expectations from Esteghlal's Midfielders
Fariba emphasized: "Esteghlal defeated two powerful opponents, Al-Sadd and Al-Gharafa, in its first two matches of the Asian Elite League and must enter the match on Tuesday with the same motivation. It would really be a shame if the deserving Esteghlal team does not achieve victory in this match. There is an unwritten rule in football that if you do not take advantage of your chances and convert them into goals, you will be punished."
He continued: "The midfield line of Esteghlal can play an important and influential role in the match against Al-Shamal. Esteghlal's midfielders must take the opportunity to create plays away from the opponent and not allow Al-Shamal's players to put their attackers in scoring positions."
The former Esteghlal player talked about the selection of Mostafa Matin as the new CEO of the club, saying: "I have held two meetings with him so far; the plans he proposed were good. Although the details are not yet fully clear. He promised that Esteghlal's transfer window would open, which is very important. Esteghlal needs to attract new players. In Esteghlal's last match against Shabab Al-Ahli, we also saw that this team is in an unequal competition with its opponents. Sometimes I really feel sorry for Sohrab Bakhtiyari Zadeh, as he does not even have enough players on the bench to make the substitutions he desires."
Fariba concluded about the passing of Hamid Alidoosti, saying: "I can confidently say that he was one of the best strikers in the history of Iranian football. In my opinion, Alidoosti was the most noble footballer in the history of Iran, and everyone has fond memories of him. It is truly sad news, and I still cannot believe his passing."
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