Editorial: Littbarski's arrival, Saipa's fortune

The rumours started with Wolfgang Wolf followed by former Bahrain national team coach Wolfgang Sidka who arrived in Tehran and agreed on terms and conditions, only leaving the presentation of Sidka as the new coach of Saipa Karaj. Saipa though had another shock lined up as only days after agreement with Sidka, Pierre Litbarski was presented as the new coach of Saipa Karaj.

The highly rated German was one of the finest German player's of his day, and had 73 caps and 18 goals to his name. In his short nine year coaching career the most memorable was when he took Sydney FC and won the inaugural A-League in 2005.

If anyone asked me two months ago if Saipa are capable of winning the AFC Champion's League I would simply say they stand no chance and that they would be lucky to even make it past the quarterfinals where they face a strong Kuruvchi from Uzbekistan.

Saipa Karaj of last season, was slow, had no real depth in the team and was lacking players in majority of positions all over the field. Since then Saipa have spent close to approximately three billion toman's (US $3million) and have simply brought the best of the best Iranian players to their club. Saipa amongst Iranian clubs offer great facilities, an environment away from side-issues that exists in other big clubs such as Persepolis and Esteghlal, and most importantly a professional and well managed team.

Having a look at Saipa's recent face lift it’s amazing to see that they have nearly improved every single inch of their line-up.

Starting at the goalkeeping position Saipa were hit with the departure of their first and second goalkeepers Rahman Ahmadi and Misagh Memarzadeh who signed with giants Sepahan and Persepolis respectively. Instead Saipa completed the signing of Team Melli goalkeeper Ebrahim Mirzapour from Steel Azin.

Saipa's strength had always been their defence, with figures such as Arzani, Ashtiani and of course Jalal Hosseini. Despite offers from Persepolis, Sepahan and Al-Nasr of UAE the "Jaap Staam" look alike; Jalal Hosseini renewed his contract with Saipa Karaj. On the other hand Saipa were hit with departures to key player’s right back Gholamnejad and defender Mohsen Arzani. Saipa did not waste any time and brought in probably the best right back in Iran, Hossein Kabi to replace the departure of Majid Gholamnejad. Hossein Kabi’s arrival to Saipa would now follow with some of the biggest names in Iranian football.

Saipa's midfield had been lacklustre for nearly two year's now as they never really had a play maker, such as Esteghlal's Jabbari or Sepahan's Navidkia or even Foolad's Janvario. This problem was identified by the Saipa officials and once again they did not go for second best as they snatched Abbas Aghaei away from Persepolis to finally get a play maker. They did not stop there as they signed experienced Saeed Beygi from Saba Battery followed by 20 year old Mohammad Parvin, the Azadegan League sensation who had scored 15 goals last season is one of Iran's hottest young talents. Recently invited to Team Melli by Ali Daei, along with Ebrahim Sadeghi and Kianoosh Rahmati both Team Melli players Saipa would now have on paper one of the best mid field's in Iran.

Saipa's huge problem lies in its weak strikers, since the departure of Mohsen Khalili they have been stuck with slow and un-efficient strikers. Karim Ansarifard the young 18 year old is certainly a standout but his inexperience lets him down. Once again this problem was recognized by the Saipa officials as they immediately got rid of the 31 year old Adriano Alvez to Pegah Gilan and 30 year old Amir Vaziri to Esteghlal Ahvaz and brought in some fresh air in Steel Azin star Iman Razzaghi Rad. He’s a striker who has a proven record in the Persian Gulf Cup back in the days with Pas Tehran; along side Razzaghi Rad comes Saber Mirghorbani from relegated Sanat Naft Abadan. The two of them are poised to bring needed speed and urgency upfront.
The squad has been put together in an amazing fashion, and Pierre Litbarski has a great squad to work with, they should not have any problems whatsoever with depth as looking towards the bench we see high calibre players such as Shahalidoost and Zaynadpour.

Pierre Littbarski could be the man, judging by his past he knows how to lead a team to a championship but Littbarski should be aware that Iran and the Persian Gulf Cup will be a much different and more competitive league.

But one thing is for sure, if any one asks me the same question now, is Saipa capable of winning the AFC Champion's League I will say, bloody oath, Kuruvchi? Kuruvchi who?