Following Esteghlal's 1-0 defeat to Shams Azar on Monday, a former star has since launched a scathing attack on head coach Pitso Mosimane, claiming that he is the "main problem".
As the Iranian outfit's struggles continue after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Shams Azar in a Persian Gulf Pro League encounter on Monday, former player Edmond Akhtar has not held back in his assessment of the team's issues under the South African head coach.
Read: Ngezana's massive FCSB salary 'revealed'
The former centre-forward believes Mosimane is the primary reason behind the club's underwhelming performances, even as he acknowledged other shortcomings within the club.
Since taking charge of the Crown last year, the former Al Ahly boss has overseen nine league matches, managing two victories, three defeats, and four draws.
While the team has shown glimpses of improvement, their last win came against Foolad in December. Since then, the Blues have failed to secure three points, adding to the mounting pressure on the 60-year-old and his squad.
Akhtar's harsh criticism comes despite the fact that the South African tactician has lifted the side from the relegation zone to 11th place on the league table.
This represents a significant improvement from the dire position the club found itself in prior to his appointment. However, Akhtar remains unconvinced by the coach's ability to lead the team out of their current predicament.
"From the very first week of the league, Esteghlal has been in poor form. It's a disaster," Akhtar said per Varzesh3. "I've never seen this team in such a dire state.
"Against Shams Azar, Esteghlal didn't even create a single goal-scoring opportunity. They lost decisively, and I'm starting to doubt the club's management and ownership.
"Is this really the same Mosimane they wanted to bring in?"
Akhtar also criticised Mosimane's approach to recruitment, questioning his decisions regarding foreign signings.
"Mr. Mosimane insisted on bringing in players like Juma, who has barely contributed to the team. How can someone like (Masoud) Juma satisfy the millions of Esteghlal fans?" he questioned.
"This management and coaching staff have brought in players who don't deserve to be at Esteghlal but signed lucrative contracts regardless."
He added: "Esteghlal needs to be run like professional clubs elsewhere in the world. Without proper oversight and planning, the team's problems will only worsen."
"If management lets Mosimane go today, it would be a huge favour to Esteghlal," he continued. "I don't think he is the right coach for this team. The fans are the true owners of this club, and they deserve better."
Despite his strong words, Akhtar admitted that the team's current predicament is not solely down to the head coach.
"This team is sick—seriously ill. Someone needs to cure it. But the head coach is supposed to be the one to fix these problems, and I don't believe Mosimane is up to the task."
Read: Ten Hag set to join Downs' CWC opponents?