The defeat against Shabab Al-Ahli was the first slip of Esteghlal in the Asian Elite League; A result that now doubles the importance of the meeting with Al-Shamal Qatar for the Blues.
Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh’s students are looking to return to the path of victory in a situation where their Qatari opponent enters this match with the confidence of defeating Al Hilal. Independence needs something more than the motivation and desire to win to compensate for that loss; Defensive cohesion will be one of the most important conditions for the success of this team.
Ashurmatov’s absence; A big void in the heart of the defense
One of the most important concerns of Esteghlal’s technical staff is the absence of Rostam Ashurmatov. The Uzbek defender, who injured his knee during the match against Shabab Al Ahli, will not be able to accompany the Blues against Shamal. This incident brings a forced change in the defense structure for Bakhtiarizadeh; Because Ashurmatov was one of the three central defenders of Esteghlal along with Saman Fallah and Aref Agassi in recent weeks.
Now the head coach of Esteghlal has to reorganize the defensive line without one of the main pieces of this structure. Returning Rozbe Kesmi to the heart of the defense or changing the formation of the team to a four-man defense line is one of the solutions that can be considered; A decision whose correct choice is very important to avoid disturbing the balance of the team.
The Qatari opponent is waiting for the smallest mistake
Esteghlal’s problem is not just filling the void of a defender; The more important thing is to maintain harmony among the players who have to be together with a different composition in a short period of time. Any inconsistency in the coverage of spaces, positioning or coordination between the defenders can provide a good opportunity for the dangerous attackers of the North.
In this regard, read: The dream of crossing Independence after hunting the crescent moon; Al Shamal is looking for another big night
In its recent match against Al-Hilal, the Qatari team showed that it has the necessary tools to take advantage of offensive opportunities. Wesley Saeed scored very early in the same match, and Baghdad Bunnejah and Mohammad Ali Bin Ramazan also opened the opponent’s gate. Riyad Mahrez is considered one of the important pieces of this team with his ability to create situations and send key passes. Therefore, Esteghlal cannot enter this match thinking that the absence of a defender will be easily compensated.
Opportunity to compensate or start a new concern?
For Esteghlal, this match is an important opportunity to overcome the defeat against Shabab Al-Ahli and strengthen its position in the table of the western region. But if defensive line changes lead to inconsistency and costly mistakes, this opportunity to compensate can turn into a new problem.
Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh must first of all find a solution to maintain the defensive integrity of his team. The players of Esteghlal should also focus and coordinate more, and not allow Ashurmatov’s absence to become the defining weakness of the Blues. In order to return to the path of victory, Esteghlal must first of all make sure that its gate is not vulnerable to attacks from the North. Undoubtedly, the role of Habib Farabbasi will be very prominent in this meeting.
