Mohammad Reza Azadi, the young and talented striker of Esteghlal, has recently gotten used to a long period on the bench. While the Blues are facing a shortage of players and the team's head coach, Sohrab Bakhtiari Zadeh, has limited options for selecting the lineup, Azadi is still waiting for an opportunity to step onto the field.
Performance at the Start of the Season and Existing Challenges
Azadi started the season well and in the second week of the league, during the match against Nassaji, he showcased his abilities by scoring the only three-point goal. It was expected that given the conditions of Esteghlal's attack line, he would play a more prominent role in the team's lineup. However, gradually, this striker distanced himself from the coaching staff's plans and now has not had a minute of playtime for weeks.
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Reasons for Sitting on the Bench and Physical Condition
One of the main reasons for Azadi's current situation is reported to be his poor physical condition. Reports indicate that the Esteghlal striker has gained about 8 kilograms in recent months, which has led to a departure from his ideal physical condition. The reduction in playtime and being away from the team's lineup has clearly had an impact, making Azadi one of the notable subjects of Esteghlal.
In this context, Sohrab Bakhtiari Zadeh, the head coach of Esteghlal, has placed Azadi's name on the excess list. This decision comes as the Esteghlal club intends to enhance the team's attacking power by acquiring a foreign striker. It seems this decision could indicate Azadi's imminent departure from the team.
Uncertain Future and Upcoming Challenges
Azadi, who started the season with a three-point goal, is now facing the possibility of leaving Esteghlal. This is while the Blues are currently struggling with a shortage of players in the attack line. The future of this striker is shrouded in uncertainty, and it remains to be seen whether he can change his situation by the end of the half-season or if his presence in Esteghlal will come to an unexpected end sooner.
Esteghlal is looking to improve the team's performance moving forward, which will require decisive decisions and cooperation from the players with the coaching staff. Given the current situation, we must wait and see whether Mohammad Reza Azadi can return to the lineup or if he needs to consider a new future.
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