A former Esteghlal FC star has claimed the Iranian club's problems run so deep that not even Pitso Mosimane's tactics would be able to save them.
The Persian Gulf Pro League side were struggling prior to the South African's appointment, but he has also faced some issues since taking charge, suffering three consecutive defeats.
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The Capital Blues are currently 14th on the league table after winning just two of their nine league games so far.
Continentally, the side has also been struggling after suffering three losses in four AFC Champions League matches.
Their last two defeats came against Saudi Pro League opposition – Al Nassr and Al Hilal – and a former star of the club, Hassan Rowshan, has suggested that the results show how far behind the Iranian outfit is.
"Mosimane's satisfaction with Esteghlal's performance against Al Hilal is just a tactic. Our players weren't capable of competing with Al Hilal. Esteghlal had no game plan, and this is the reality," the retired striker said per Vananews.
"Iranian teams have lost 12 consecutive matches against Saudi Arabian teams. We'll continue to lose unless we change.
"Esteghlal has no plan to return to its former glory. There's no competent management or strategy.
"Al Nassr and Al Hilal signed players like Ronaldo and Neymar, building strong teams. Esteghlal signed Ramin Rezaeian and claimed they'd be champions. Neymar alone can't make a difference; teamwork is essential.
"Esteghlal signs leftovers from other teams. Our Uzbek player (Jaloliddin Masharipov) and African player (Gael Kakuta) are good, but the others are ineffective.
"If Hosseini wasn't in goal, Esteghlal would've lost 5-0 to Al Hilal. Esteghlal's problems run deep, and Mosimane's tactics won't solve them."
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The former Mamelodi Sundowns manager will no doubt be trying to be change the fortunes of his new club, and will have the opportunity to do so when the Capital Blues take on 12th-placed Mes Rafsanjan FC in a league match on Saturday.
By Junaid Benjamin
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