Introduction: The Controversy Surrounding Pitso Mosimane’s Tenure at Esteghlal
Esteghlal Tehran, one of Iran’s most prestigious football clubs, has recently been at the center of a heated debate following the departure of South African coach Pitso Mosimane. The controversy has reignited discussions about the club’s approach to foreign coaches, particularly after Esteghlal legend Hassan Rowshan made strong comments about Mosimane’s time at the club and warned against repeating the same mistakes.
Rowshan, a highly respected figure in Iranian football, did not hold back in his criticism, arguing that the club should not have placed its trust in Mosimane in the first place. His remarks have divided opinions, with some supporting his stance while others feel his comments were unfair to Mosimane, who has an illustrious coaching background.
This article takes a detailed look at:
✅ Hassan Rowshan’s criticisms of Esteghlal’s decision
✅ Pitso Mosimane’s time at the club and the challenges he faced
✅ Why foreign coaches often struggle in Iranian football
✅ What this means for Esteghlal’s future coaching decisions
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Hassan Rowshan’s Strong Criticism of Mosimane and Esteghlal’s Decisions
Following the uncertainty surrounding Esteghlal’s coaching situation, Rowshan issued a scathing attack on the club’s decision-making.
🗣 “Now, if they change Sohrab (Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh), they will be making a mistake because the story of this African coach will be repeated again.”
Rowshan’s main argument is that Esteghlal made an error by hiring Mosimane, and if they replace the current head coach hastily, they risk falling into the same trap once again.
The Iranian legend went further to question the credibility of foreign coaches joining the league mid-season, arguing that:
🔹 “There is no high-level foreign coach available in the middle of the season because a good coach is not unemployed.”
His comments suggest that Esteghlal rushed into hiring Mosimane instead of finding a long-term solution. He believes that a truly elite foreign coach would already have a job at a top club, implying that Mosimane was not the right fit for Esteghlal from the beginning.
Rowshan also criticized Mosimane’s intentions, accusing him of prioritizing financial gain over commitment to the team.
🗣 “If they choose another coach in a hurry, he will come like Pitso Mosimane, go looking for money and complaints, and in the end, nothing will come to this team.”
His claim that Mosimane was primarily motivated by financial incentives has sparked widespread debate. Some believe his remarks are disrespectful, given Mosimane’s track record, while others argue that Esteghlal’s instability made it difficult for any coach to succeed.
Rowshan concluded his statement with an even harsher take on foreign influence in Iranian football:
🗣 “Our football has become so miserable that an African coach comes to our football and leaves easily. From the very beginning, I emphasized that we should not praise someone too quickly and make idols of them.”
His words have raised serious concerns about the treatment of foreign coaches in Iran, with many questioning whether such statements are based on performance or bias.
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Pitso Mosimane’s Time at Esteghlal: What Went Wrong?
To understand why Rowshan made such strong remarks, it’s crucial to look at Mosimane’s brief time at Esteghlal and the challenges he faced.
1️⃣ High Expectations, Low Patience
When Pitso Mosimane was appointed as Esteghlal’s head coach, many expected immediate results due to his impressive track record in Africa. Having won multiple league titles with Mamelodi Sundowns, the CAF Champions League, and succeeding in Saudi Arabia, Mosimane arrived with a reputation as a winner.
However, despite his experience and tactical acumen, his time at Esteghlal did not go as planned.
2️⃣ Financial and Administrative Issues
One of the biggest problems Mosimane faced at Esteghlal was the club’s financial instability.
🔹 Esteghlal, like many Iranian clubs, has been struggling with funding and wage disputes, making it difficult for any coach to operate effectively.
🔹 Reports suggest that Mosimane was frustrated by delays in salary payments, which affected team morale and his own commitment to the club.
🔹 Esteghlal has also been dealing with boardroom uncertainty, making long-term planning almost impossible.
3️⃣ Lack of Support in Transfers and Squad Building
Mosimane is a coach who thrives when given time and the resources to build a squad. However, his stay at Esteghlal was too short to allow him to properly implement his playing philosophy.
🔹 The club’s transfer restrictions and lack of squad depth limited his ability to improve the team.
🔹 He was expected to achieve success immediately, without the necessary tools or backing from management.
🔹 The combination of these factors led to frustration on both sides, ultimately resulting in his premature departure.
While Rowshan blames Mosimane for the club’s failures, others argue that Esteghlal’s problems run deeper than just one coach.
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Why Do Foreign Coaches Struggle in Iranian Football?
Mosimane’s situation is not unique—many foreign coaches have struggled in Iran due to similar challenges.
1️⃣ Unstable Club Management
Iranian clubs, including Esteghlal, have a history of frequent coaching changes and unstable leadership. Coaches are rarely given enough time to build long-term projects, making it difficult for foreign managers to succeed.
2️⃣ Financial Challenges
Many Iranian clubs struggle to meet financial commitments, leading to delays in salary payments and legal disputes with players and staff. This instability makes Iran a difficult environment for foreign coaches, especially those used to structured contracts and professional setups.
3️⃣ Cultural and Language Barriers
🔹 Some foreign coaches struggle to adapt to the language, customs, and expectations of Iranian football.
🔹 Communication problems affect tactical instructions and team chemistry, making it harder for a coach to fully implement their vision.
These factors contribute to the high turnover rate of foreign coaches in Iran, making Mosimane’s departure unsurprising.
What’s Next for Esteghlal?
With Mosimane gone and Rowshan warning against another rushed appointment, Esteghlal must make a careful decision about their next coach.
🔹 If they opt for another foreign coach, they must provide better financial and structural support.
🔹 If they stick with Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh, they need to show patience and trust in his project.
🔹 Above all, stability must be the club’s priority if they hope to reclaim their place as Iran’s top team.
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Final Thoughts: Was Rowshan Right or Wrong?
Hassan Rowshan’s comments about Pitso Mosimane and Esteghlal’s handling of foreign coaches have sparked major debate.
Arguments Supporting Rowshan’s View
✅ Esteghlal needs stability rather than making another rushed coaching change.
✅ Foreign coaches often struggle in Iran due to financial and management issues.
✅ The club should focus on long-term development instead of quick fixes.
Arguments Against Rowshan’s View
❌ His comments about Mosimane seem unfair given the challenges he faced.
❌ The problem is bigger than just one coach—Esteghlal must address their internal issues.
❌ Foreign coaches can succeed in Iran, but only if given proper support.
While Rowshan raises valid points about Esteghlal’s instability, blaming Mosimane ignores the deeper problems within the club. If Esteghlal truly wants to progress, they must fix their internal structure rather than blaming coaches for short-term failures.
💬 What do you think? Was Esteghlal right to part ways with Mosimane, or should they have supported him better? Let us know your thoughts!
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