Esteghlal FC legend backs embattled Pitso Mosimane after losing start to life in Iran - 'You can see improvement'

Pitso Mosimane has led Esteghlal FC to three consecutive defeats in the Persian Gulf Pro League as well as the AFC Champions League.

That has seen the Iranian side 14th in the 16-team Persian Gulf Pro League with just three points more than bottom-placed Nassaji Mazandaran.

With pressure continuing to mount on the South African, former Esteghlal attacking midfielder Behtash Fatriba has leaped to the defence of South African.

"Mosimane has reached a team that has a lot of injured and young players, but from the technical conditions, you can see the improvement in Esteghlal compared to the first game against Khyber to Al Hilal," Fariba said on Footballi.

"Anyway, Al Hilal was a team that has not experienced a loss in 65 games in the Saudi League, and this shows the strength of this team with those quality and expensive players.

"However, we still had scoring and shooting opportunities in that match."

Mosimane risks tarnishing his image as a successful coach with the current run of form by Esteghlal.

This also follows difficult spells at Al Wahda and Abha Club which were his last two jobs before going to Iran.

If the current losing streak continues, it could also complicate his future at Esteghlal.

The Kagiso-born tactician will be in charge of his fourth match when Esteghlal host Mes Rafsanjan on Saturday.

It is a match he into under pressure to help improve the fortunes of his team and preserve his job.