Iran Sports Press: Many Iranian football fans cannot believe their hero Mehdi Mahdavikia is not in the starting 11 of Hamburger SV anymore. No one really knows the exact reason why one of Iran’s best players is on the bench at his club. Reza Ghazinouri looks at the possible reasons why Mahdavikia has to start all over again.
Why is Mahdavikia dropped to the bench? Is it because of his current form? This would certainly be questioned by most football experts. On October 09, Iran had its biggest football game at home for 25 years, a friendly against Germany. 120,000 fans in the Azadi stadium and millions of German TV viewers on German's biggest channel ZDF, saw Mehdi’s brilliance against a tough German defense. This shows that Mehdi is still on form, and hasn’t lost any of his skills that once made him the best player in German Bundesliga when it came to ‘making’ goals.
Some might wonder what exactly is the problem of HSV management with Mehdi? Could it be Mehdi’s personality? Could it be the he thinks that he belongs to the squad because of his experience and skills? No one can deny that. After all, Mahdavikia earned his title of the ‘most paid player in HSV’ after his dazzling performances for the club. And there is no denying that. He received a score of 2.5 against Germany from kicker soccer magazine, which is more than acceptable. Shouldn't this be recognized by Mehdi’s new coach at least?
HSV played its first game under new coach Thomas Doll at the weekend. Not only the Iranian fans expected a new beginning for Mahdavikia, but Hamburg’s fans were also expecting their new coach to start with one of their favourite players. Unfortunately, Doll did not make a new start with Mehdi, and left him on the bench. This suggests that Mehdi has to start all over again. He needs to show his new coach that he is a professional player who has vast amount of experience at this level, more than most of the other player currently with HSV.
Just over a week ago Mahdavikia showed his skills and talents while playing for Team melli. Qatar is not Dortmund, but with Mehdi’s abilities it doesn’t matter who he is playing against. He can play alongside and against the best players in the world.
One hopes that Mahdavikia is not going to be another victim under Doll, as was the case with Mahdavikia’s ex-team mate Amir Shapourzadeh. Amir suffered for 12 months while playing for Hamburg’s amateur, under the management of Thomas Doll. Shapourzadeh never got a chance to show his abilities in 12 months, and was eventually forced to leave the club. He is currently playing for Rostock’s second team. Mahdavikia is currently HSV’s most capped player since 1999, and it would be tragic for him if he is forced to leave the club he has loved for so many years now.
HSV had a great performance against Dortmund at the weekend, and the new management will find it hard to change a winning side, but it is hoped that they give Mahdavikia a fair chance, so he can once again show his magic to his die hard fans.
Why is Mahdavikia dropped to the bench? Is it because of his current form? This would certainly be questioned by most football experts. On October 09, Iran had its biggest football game at home for 25 years, a friendly against Germany. 120,000 fans in the Azadi stadium and millions of German TV viewers on German's biggest channel ZDF, saw Mehdi’s brilliance against a tough German defense. This shows that Mehdi is still on form, and hasn’t lost any of his skills that once made him the best player in German Bundesliga when it came to ‘making’ goals. 
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