Mosimane opens up after three consecutive defeats with Esteghlal - 'I only had five training sessions'

Esteghlal started the 2024/24 season on a low note prompting the management to make changes in the technical department.

Celebrated South African coach Pitso Mosimane accepted the challenge to steer the team upwards.

The 60-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns coach has not had an immediate positive impact as anticipated by the fans.

He has suffered three losses across all competitions, with the latest one coming on Monday in the AFC Champions League against a quality Al Hilal team in the West group.

Mosimane has now pointed out that he has not had many training sessions with his new team which he believes has contributed to the negative run the team has posted.

He further argues injuries have not made the situation better.

"I am unlucky because a number of players have been injured, and it is true that this is part of the game, but it makes the job of any coach difficult," he told the media after the latest defeat.

"Al Hilal are a big team that I have faced before in the Club World Cup, and when you coach a team like them your job becomes easier. For example, I should not tell [Joao] Cancelo how to play crosses or tell Mitrovic how to score.

"I only had five training sessions and three matches with Esteghlal, and I feel that we have started to develop, and I accepted the job knowing the problems surrounding the team."

Former head of Esteghlal's technical committee and Iran national team star Hassan Rowshan lashed out at the club's hierarchy in the aftermath of their latest defeat to Neymar's Al Hilal.

"Esteghlal's problems run deep, and Mosimane's tactics won't solve them," the 69-year-old told Vananews as reported by KickOff.

Mosimane has to find an immediate solution to his team's struggles before the Persian Gulf Pro League game against Mes Rafsanjan on Saturday.

The latter are placed 12th on the table with nine points, one more than Esteghlal who are two positions lower.