Esteghlal’s newly-appointed German coach Winfried Schafer has called on the club’s supporters to stand behind the team after a poor start to the current season of Iran Professional League (IPL).
In a meeting with Seyed Reza Eftekhari, managing director of Esteghlal on Tuesday, the 67-year-old coach penned a one year contract with the option of extension, Tasnim News Agency reported.
The former Cameroon and Thailand head coach replaced Alireza Mansourian in the popular football team. Under Mansourian’s watch Esteghlal suffered four defeats in seven matches.
“To have a successful team, we need our fans. We want our fans to be behind us in this moment. I want to help Esteghlal to claw its way back into the top teams, that’s why I am here,” Schafer told reporters at the news press conference on October 3.
“Everyone should be proud of wearing Esteghlal jersey. First of all, we have to support our team to get back on track. Then, we have to build Esteghlal’s future on new talented players,” the German manager added.
Schafer has also worked at VfB Stuttgart, FK Baku, Karlsruher SC and Jamaica national football team.
Currently Esteghlal is on 11th place in IPL table. The Blues have bagged just eight points from eight matches.
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