Esteghlal Appoint Ghalenoei as New Head Coach

Esteghlal started the 2007/08 season with Naser Hejazi in charge, but after a disappointing start to the season, Hejazi was replaced with Firouz Karimi. However, under Karimi results went from bad to worse, and Esteghlal ended the 2007/08 league campaign in 13th place.

This is Amir Ghalenoei’s second spell in charge of the club. He took over Esteghlal in 2003, and won the Iranian title with the Blues in 2006. He was then appointed as Iran coach in 2006, but his contract was not renewed after Iran’s disappointing showing in 2007 Asian Cup.

Esteghlal are in the semi finals of the Hazfi Cup, and will face Foulad next. Ghalenoei’s first task is to motivate the players for this game, although the Iranian Football Federation has not announced the exact date for this game as of yet.