A former Esteghlal FC star has called out Pitso Mosimane for the way the South African handled his first defeat as the side's new manager.
The former Al Ahly boss took charge of his first official match for the club against Kheybar Khorramabad on Saturday.
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Things did, however, not go as the newly-appointed man would have hoped as the side suffered a 3-1 defeat to mark an unsatisfactory start to life in Iran.
After the match, the 60-year-old slammed his players for their performances, suggesting that he had "never seen a team so low" and calling for their attitudes to change.
While the South African boss may have been trying to evoke a reaction from his new charges, who have now slumped to four defeats in eight matches this season, former Esteghlal star Omid Ravankhah does not agree with the way things were handled.
"I didn't like Mosimane's interview after the game. As a manager who has just arrived two days ago and hasn't had the opportunity to work with the players on simple set-pieces, it's not right to criticize them," the retired midfielder, said per Varzesh3.
"Fans already criticise the team. They put enough pressure on the players to perform better.
"The manager should build a better connection with the players and maintain the team's locker room.
"We are patient, and the fans are patient. They know the manager has two-three weeks to change the team."
"The situation is unnatural. Whoever is the manager of Esteghlal, these events should not happen."
The 38-year-old was then asked about his former club's decision to appoint an African manager.
"The country is not the issue," Ravankhah responded.
"Africa is a respected continent in football and coaching.
"The problem is the management's policies and decisions since Khalije Fars Holding took over the club."
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Mosimane's charges will have the opportunity to redeem themselves when they face third-placed Tractor FC in a league encounter on Thursday.