A former Esteghlal coach has urged the Iranian club to keep Pitso Mosimane at helm and invest in the transfer window to aid the South African manager.
The Iranian have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five Persian Gulf Pro League matches while drawing the other four.
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However, Mosimane's side remain in contention for silverware, having reached the Round of 16 in the Hafzi Cup following a narrow 1-0 win over Mes Kerman in December.
Speaking to Khaborzshi, Ali Chini, who previously worked as an assistant coach under Alireza Mansourian, expressed his concerns over the current management conditions at the club but was adamant that Mosimane deserves more time.
"I think it is completely wrong to touch him and change the coach at such a time," he said.
"We should keep this coach until the end of the season and give him more opportunities."
Chini also stressed the need for squad reinforcements, urging the Persian Gulf Pro League outfit to invest during the January transfer window to strengthen the team.
"Esteghlal needs to be strengthened and should buy new players during the winter transfer window," he said.
"Every change has two sides," he added. "Positive and negative. Time will tell whether the aforementioned developments will ultimately benefit Esteghlal or, unfortunately, harm the team.
"Of course, I hope everything will be in Esteghlal's favour."
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The Royals are currently 10th on the league table with 18 points after 15 matches, and Mosimane and his side will be looking to climb up the table when they return to action in a clash against Shams Azar on Monday 20 January.