Persepolis is Iran’s most popular team but failed to win Iran Professional League (IPL) title in the current season and was eliminated from the 2011 AFC Champions League group stage.
The Tehran-based team is scheduled to face the IPL title winner Sepahan in Iran’s Hazfi Cup quarterfinal on May 29.
Let’s flashback to past: Ali Daei resigned as Persepolis coach in December last year in the wake of disappointing results but general manager Habib Kashani didn’t accept his resignation. Most recently, the Persepolis GM was accused of cheating on Daei, according to Persepolis coach.
“An unknown person has telephoned the players and told them Persepolis is going to sign them up for the next the season. They (officials) have the right to negotiate for the next season but they must treat fairly,” Ali Daei said on Tuesday in Persepolis’ training session.
Now, it’s so hard for Kashani to make a decision about Daei. Persepolis needs to win Hazfi Cup title to secure a spot for the next season’s AFC Champions League. On the other hand, a rift between him and Daei can cost the club to fail to claim the championship and Kashani then might be forced to sack Daei.
Persepolis won its second title in the Iranian league three years ago under the managerial skills of Kashani. Japanese football club Shimizu S-Pulse’s current coach Afshin Ghotbi inspired the Reds to win the title. Persepolis also crowned Hazfi Cup champions last season.
But time has changed and Kashani is obliged to make a decision within next few days, as soon as possible.