Morteza Fanounizadeh, a veteran of Persepolis, gave a candid and straightforward analysis of the current state of Iranian football. He referred to the ongoing controversies surrounding last season's championship, defended Esteghlal, and criticized the inappropriate language of some managers.
Review of Last Season's Championship
Fanounizadeh discussed Esteghlal's claim for last season's championship, saying: "During the course of the matches, when the league schedule was disrupted due to war, a logical break and better planning could have established calm and clarified the championship status. It is not correct for Esteghlal to consider itself deserving of the championship, as the competition was tight and the leader changed every week. Persepolis played against Tractor and Sepahan, and these teams were also contenders. In my opinion, the federation is to blame because it should not have allowed the league to remain unresolved."
Read more: Iran Football Federation Seeking Changes in the U23 Team
Inappropriate Language of Club Managers
This Persepolis veteran also referred to the inappropriate language of managers against Esteghlal, stating: "As a Persepolis fan, I do not defend Mr. Zanozi's language against Esteghlal. This language is by no means worthy of a manager. The management of a historic club should maintain its dignity and position. Even if we are club rivals, we should not resort to vulgar words. Such behavior only poisons the atmosphere."
Situation of the National Team and Its Coach
Fanounizadeh also addressed the situation of the national team and its coaching staff, saying: "My criticism is technical and has nothing to do with the personalities involved. When a team does not perform, 30% of the responsibility lies with the players and 70% with the coaching staff, meaning changes should be made immediately. The head coach says he has made sacrifices; when he is being paid, why does he disrespect the true sacrificers? Mr. Alahoi and Mr. Afazali are respectable, but if Mr. Ghalenooi is to stay, he should change the coaching staff because the national team will not achieve anything with this current staff."
Youth Development and the Future of the National Team
Fanounizadeh continued discussing youth development in the national team, saying: "Haj Safi, at 39 years old, made a pass to the opponent that Orunov could not pass to Masharipov. As someone who played for the national team, I tell Haj Safi that you have worked hard for the national team, but this way of staying is ugly, and it is time to step aside gracefully. He wants to reach the records of Ali Daei or Javad Nekounam; what will that achieve?"
Prospects of the National Team in the Asian Cup
He commented on the national team's chances in the Asian Cup, saying: "Not at all. In the Asian Cup, there are teams like Uzbekistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, and South Korea, and with this coaching staff, we have no chance."
Analysis of Persepolis's Situation
Fanounizadeh concluded by discussing the situation of Persepolis, saying: "This team reminds me of 1985. All the players are coordinated and of high quality. The players recruited from Gol Gohar have performed excellently, and I promise this team is the top contender for the championship. The team's upward trend continues despite FIFA dates, and no one should doubt that two crowns belong to us."
Read more: Iranian Sports Girls; Breakthrough Champions in the 2026 Asian Games · Abdol Fazl Jalali Faces Injury Again
