Team Melli endured a torrid spell with goalkeepers in the last few years, according to Esmael Ardalan the ex-goalkeeping coach of Paykan and Sepahan. He pointed out that there is no inclination to correct this problem either.

In a statement to the MehrNews sport editor, Ardalan said “replacing the long serving Mehdi Rahmati in such a critical game for Team Melli, created much pressure and stress on Rahman Ahmadi and that is why he did not perform to the level he displays at club on consistent basis”

“ During the Qatar game, there was 4 or 5 real chances for the Qataris that did not result in any goals, but it also underlined some hesitancy in Rahman Ahmadi timing out of his area and crosses.” The ex- Team Melli player added. “If we need to have a reliable goalkeeper, we must ensure that Ahmadi performs to high standard particularly during the opposition attacks from the flanks.”

“Expectation of Rahman Ahmadi to reach the ideal form and be on the same wavelength as his defenders , is not fair in such a short period of time. The goalkeeper needs time to work with the coaches and the defenders to synchronize well during the matches. The goalkeeping coach has a crucial role to play in this area and requires much work on the psychological side in addition to the tactical. Boosting the confidence of the keeper is a crucial issue.” Ardalan said.

“Recently , Team Melli had a long history of goalkeeping problems. We have failed to produce high class goalkeepers and that has cost us dearly. In order to rectify this shortcoming, a long term program needs to be set to produce a group of high quality keepers. We have offered such program, but no one seems to be interested.”  Esmael Ardan concluded

Since the days of Ahmadreza Abdezadeh , who was perhaps the last of the great Iranian goalkeepers , Team Melli went through several goalkeepers. From calamitous Ebrahim Mirzapour to the erratic Mehdi Rahmati.