Tag: Zob Ahan

Daniyal Eiri

Daniyal Eiri and Mohammad Khalifa Earn First National Team Call-Ups

Amir Ghalenoei has announced a 21-man squad for Iran’s upcoming Nowrooz 1404 matches against the UAE and Uzbekistan in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Among the call-ups, two 20-year-old talents—Daniyal Eiri and Mohammad Khalifa—have been invited to the national team camp for the first time.

Daniyal Eiri, a promising young defender, emerged from the Zob Ahan academy and played for the Isfahan-based club in the first half of the season. However, due to military service obligations, he transferred to Malavan Bandar Anzali for the second half of the campaign. His departure from Zob Ahan was controversial, as his strong performances led to public criticism from head coach Mohammad Rabiei and then-CEO Nima Nakisa. Despite their objections, Iri ultimately joined Malavan, where he has since become a key player under head coach Maziar Zare.

Eiri Reflects on His Journey and Team Melli Call-Up

In an interview with Mehr, Eiri shared his thoughts on his journey to the national team and his ambitions moving forward.

“I am very happy. From the start of pre-season training, I gave my all to improve and stay on the path to progress. When I officially heard about my national team invitation, I was overjoyed because I felt like I had achieved part of my goal. But I know that staying in the national team is even more important than being invited.”

He also expressed gratitude to those who have supported his development.

“First, I want to thank Zob Ahan for the opportunities they provided me. I also appreciate Coach Rabiei, who introduced me to professional football in Iran. Due to my circumstances, I moved to Malavan, where Coach Maziar Zare placed his trust in me. His support has played a major role in my journey, and I owe a lot to him.”

Eiri also acknowledged the national team staff for their confidence in him.

“I am grateful to Coach Ghalenoei and the entire coaching staff. It is a great honor to be in the same camp as some of Iran’s greatest footballers. But from today, my focus is on proving myself and earning my place in the squad so I can serve the national team and the people of Iran.”

On Malavan’s Performance and the loss against Persepolis.

Eiri also reflected on Malavan’s recent 2-0 loss to Persepolis.

“It was a tough match. We went in with the mindset of getting a result, and we played bravely. Persepolis is the reigning champion and a strong contender again this season, with high-quality players. If we had taken our chances better, we could have achieved a different outcome. Now, we must turn our attention to the next matches and continue Malavan’s strong performances this season.”

With his first national team call-up, Iri now has the opportunity to showcase his talent on a bigger stage. His determination and rapid development suggest he could play a crucial role in Iran’s future defensive lineup.
It is noted that along with Amin Hezbavi and Arya Yousefi, Iri competes a trio of young talented defenders that is going to taken over the aging and vulnerable Team Melli defensive line.

Vahid Amiri in danger of missing the World Cup!

Persepolis and Team Melli midfielder Vahid Amiri who was substituted in after the injury to Saeed Aghaei in the 36th minute of the match against Zobahan Esfahan, played an effective role in changing the result of the game from defeat to draw. However, the key Team Melli midfielder suffered another severe back injury in the 88th minute leaving him incapable of continuing the match in the final minutes.

Amiri was so badly injured that he was taken by ambulance in Isfahan from the stadium to the airport where he then was carried onboard a flight to Tehran, where he was treated by a specialist in the Capital. Amiri’s injury seems to be serious, the doctors will decide on his surgery by the end of the week to reduce his inflammation. In any case, Vahid Amiri will definitely not be able to accompany his team for the final four matches.

He will be absent for the matches against Sepahan Isfahan, Traktor, Shahr Khodro and Fajr Sepasi Shiraz. Amiri will undoubtedly stay away from the football fields for four months in case of his lumbar disc surgery so that the influential and key player of the Iranian national team is in danger of missing the World Cup Qatar  2022. He was one of Dragan Skocic’s key players in the qualifiers to ease Skocic’s worries about having a left-winger. It remains to be seen what the doctors will decide about him to increase his chances of returning to the football field as soon as possible.

Amir Ghalenoei, The pride of Iranian coaches

Amir Ghalenoei is the most decorated coach in the Iranian domestic league. His record stands at 5 championships titles, 3 with Esteghlal and 2 with Sepahan. All this is about to change as the controversial Ghalenoei is leading the charge for another championship and another record-breaking season.

Sepahan already holds the record for 21 consecutive undefeated matches in the Iranian Premier League. An old record leftover from the tenth Premier League era. In that year, Sepahan, coached by Amir Ghalenoei, lost against Esteghlal in the seventh week but remained unbeaten until the twenty-ninth week of the league when it lost to Mes Kerman.

This record is about to collapse. Again it is Sepahan and again it is Amir Ghalenoei. Interestingly, this time it also started with a defeat against Esteghlal, which was last season. Since then, the yellow and black jerseys have not been defeated. The only zero in the league table standings of the current Iranian Premier League is under losses for Sepahan.  Naft Masjid Soleiman finished the half-season unbeaten, but eventually, they were defeated in Tabriz in the 16th week. Sepahan with 31 points leads the table ahead of Persepolis with goal difference.

 

When Amir Ghalenoei set the record for undefeated matches, he also won the title with Sepahan.  He won the league title twice for the “Nisf Jahan” club and can now break his record for the third time for Sepahan. Ghalenoei and Sepahan have played 20 consecutive Premier League games without a loss. If they win the next two games, they will have a new record.

Team Melli under Ghalenoei in AFC Asian Cup 2007

Additionally, with Sepahan, Zob Ahan, Esteghlal, and TractorSazi, Ghalenoei has also been vice-Champion.

Amir Ghalenoei also managed Team Melli most notably during the AFC Asian Cup 2007. His statements before and after games are always controversial. He is not by any means unique in his rhetoric as almost all the Iranian coaches have this Blame Culture, feeling of being prosecuted, conspired against, treated unfairly and most famous of all of them, “the referee was against us” mentality. Ghalenoei has been sent off to the stands, sanctioned and disciplined many times in his career for his misdemeanors; however, he remains unique in one important aspect. He is technically one of the most acute and advance coaches that Iran has ever seen.  If there was an Iranian coach that can easily coach at the highest level in Asia (language barrier permitting) it is Amir Ghalenoei. This man is head and shoulder above the rest.

 

It is a great pity that his chances of coaching Team Melli are not great as he admits himself, he has far too many adversaries domestically. The FFIRI and Taj will not be able to deal with the outspoken Ghalenoei. The loser, however, is Team Melli and the national football at large.

Biranvand flying high.

He might not be every fan’s cup of tea, but Biarnvand is certainly flying high these days and was the man of the match in Persepolis AFC Champions League semifinal victory against Al Sadd of Qatar.

Persepolis has secured a 0-1 away win against Al Sadd in Doha. A draw in the jammed packed Azadi would have taken the most popular club in Iran to the finals of the AFC Champions League for the first time in its illustrious history.

Al Sadd star-studded team included two famous Spanish midfielders. The legendary ex-Barcelona star Xavier Hernández Creus or better known to the world as “Xavi“, and ex Ateltico Madrid Gabriel Fernández Arenas or “Gabi”in addition to the competition top scorer the Algerian Baghdad Bounedjah and South Korean national team midfielder Jung Woo-Young

The crowd, estimated to be over 120,000 fans in Azadi , despite the official viewpoint of 78,000 , were stunned when the Algerian Bounedjah scored passed Biranvand in the 17th minute.

Persepolis scored the equalizer early in the second half when Siamak Nemati scored in the similar fashion to Al Sadd goal.

Minutes from the final whistle with the match finally in balance and the 1-1 draw result taking Persepolis to the final of the AFC Champions League. Xavi, with his immense wealth of experience in World football and Barcelona, escaped all the Persepolis defense to be on the receiving end of a fine cross which he headed powerfully towards the far end of Persepolis goal. The trajectory of the header seemed to be certain to end up in the goal and a definite winner for Al Sadd.

Alireza Biranvand , stunned by the freedom given to Xavi to freely head the ball was off guard. However, Team Melli guardian flew like an eagle and brilliantly deflected the ball over the bar to save his team from certain elimination.

This type of saves are written in the records book for its brilliance but more for its significance on the result and the fate of the teams. It was a huge and spectacular save that needs to be written in the records book which Alireza Biranvand has a claim on another one, which was his World Cup Penalty save against no other than Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.

Biranvand has saved a Xavi header and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty. Not many keepers can claim such feat.

Saying that, Birnavand remains an enigma. He can be world-class one day, and a villain the next. He concedes goals that even the weakest keepers can save. He is also a bit of nuisance cum showman in the matches with his running and shouting at his defenders act. Add this to his time-wasting tactics that are far from clever and has brought him several yellow cards.

The Team Melli fans across the world would be much gladder to see the positive side of Biranvand in the UAE. He is undoubtedly flying high now and we all hope to see that continues for the next 3 months.

Esteghlal and Pas Tehran are the only Iranian clubs who have won the Asian Clubs top prize before.

Sepahan, Zob Ahan and Esteghlal have also been finalists.

Persepolis will play Kashima Antlers of Japan in the final of AFC Champions League 2017/18 season.

The Sense of injustice. Mohsen Mosalman & Hossein Kaebi

The crocked FFIRI.

Mohsen Mosalman was considered as one of the brightest young footballers in Iran, destined to stardom in the European leagues in the footpath of Daei , Mahdavikia and Bagheri. Some even regarded him to be a much better talent than Ali Karimi in his senior years

He was the youngest professional players in Iran history at 16 years old in Zob Ahan.  By that time, he has already played for Team Melli U16 and in the following years , he represented his country in all the age group teams all the way to the Omid Team (U23).

Mosalman was and still is , a gifted player and naturally he was picked for Team Melli, but made limited appearances, and scored one goal in his 5 caps.

This player however, had issues on and off the field , enough to irritate the hierarchy and ruffle some feathers. The disciplinary actions against him and some self-inflicted problems, harmed his progress and relegated him from a star in the making to just about, better than average league player.

His misdemeanors varied from being filmed smoking in coffee shops, to attending parties or pictures in social media with girls..

Another wonderkid was Hossein Kaebi. The boy from Khuzestan was an absolute delight to watch as a youngster growing up to become a definite star. He made his debut for Team Melli at 18 years and unlike Mosalman, Hossein Kaebi played for an extended period of time including in the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006. He also played in the Asian Cup 2007.

There was nothing controversial about Kaebi, except for his passion to look good including having Tattoo all over his body or fixing his eyebrows, for which he faced disciplinary action by the ethics and behavior committee of FFIRI

Mosalman conduct is nothing close to controversial, so is Kaebi’s. If it was in Free World, those two would not attract much, if any attention. On field violations would have been dealt with professionally and objectively, as there is no malice, ill intent or violent conducts in their actions. But in a system controlled by religious fundamentalism with absolutely minimal respect to personal freedom and a big brother approach, these two are considered as villains.

A committee for virtue and righteous, has just suspended the two players from all football activities for reasons that are not published and only known to those who penalized the players. There is no appeal. No transparency no rights!.

Hossein kaebi

And if you think that is injustice, have a thought for Mohsen Mosalman who helped Persepolis win the League title last season. In the ceremony by the FFIRI to honor winners and the achievers, in the category of top assists , Mohsen Mosalman was the clear winner with 14 assists for the season. Shockingly, the FFIRI announced that Server Djabarov, the Uzbek player who had a total of 6 assists for Esteghlal, has won the title.!!!

The writing was on the wall to suspend and punish Mosalman.

It is testament to the resolve of the nation that football actually thrives under such injustice.

Omid Namzi appointed as head coach of Zob Ahan.

Omid Namzi , the Iranian-American coach has been appointed as Zob Ahan football Club head coach replacing Amir Ghalenoei who crossed over to the other side of the city taking over the coaching of Sepahan.

The American born, Namazi played professionally in the American Soccer League, American Professional Soccer League, Major League Soccer, USISL and National Professional Soccer League where he was the 2001 Defender of the Year. As assistant coach of Team Melli, Namazi led the team to qualification to the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

In December 2010, Namazi was named as an assistant coach to the Iran Pro League club Steel Azin F.C.. On April 28, 2011, he became assistant coach of the Iranian national team alongside Carlos Queiroz and goalkeeping coach Dan Gaspar.On June 18, 2013, Iran qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, before qualifying for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup months later.

Namazi submitted his resignation on january 2014 citing family reasons. However, that version was taken with a pinch of salt by many observers

A week before that, Antonio Simoes also parted company with Team Melli due to personal reasons. Namazi was just one name in a long list of assistant coaches or administrators who have worked for Carlos Queiroz and left. Javad Nekounam, Ali Karimi , Dan Gasper , Afshin Peyrovani , Majid Salih , Antonio Simoes are just a few. Queiroz is known to demands complete adherence to his commands and more often than not , the assistants are there to just relay instructions rather than being partners in decesion making or tactical issues. Such role does not sit down well with many aspiring assistant coaches.

Namazi has signed a three-year deal with the Persian Gulf Pro League side which was recently eliminated from the AFC Champions League by fellow Iranian team, Esteghlal Tehran in a thrilling match series.

Biranvand’s poor form, a worry for Team Melli!

One would be excused to notice that the two goalkeepers that have performed so admirably in the AFC Asian Champions League matches yesterday are nowhere near being Team Melli’s first choice .  

The fact is that one Alireza Biranvand, a lackluster keeper with a questionable attitude and prone to errors, has been the number one choice for Carlos Queiroz and that is worrying.

Biranvand , the guardian of Persepolis has been quite poor this season. Single handedly he cost his team a precious win in Abu Dhabi last night conceding 3 goals, all of which could have been saved with some agility and better effort.  Young Goalkeepers like Biranvand at such age normally develop and reach their peak at a much later stage of their careers unlike other outfield players. Biranvand has played for Team Melli youth teams and forced himself to the senior team on sheer merits at the time that Iran had a dearth of goalkeeping talents.

However, Biranvand , seem to have stopped developing, but even worst , he is losing his touch too. There is a long list of shortcoming that has marred his performance particularly this season, from failure to judge the flight of crosses to poor reaction, to poor timings of coming out for a ball. Biranvand has cost his club many goals and lots of points, the type of which he had not experienced before at Persepolis.

Mehdi Rahmati

Admittedly, the problems he had with his club, had affected him. Contractual and financial issues, the lure of better contract at other clubs resulted in him requesting a transfer while he was tied by a contract. The club turned down his request, which resulted in Birnavand’s rebellion, absence from training and refusing to attend team meetings. He was the target of the boo-boys amongst the passionate Persepolis fans in Azadi. Branko Ivankovic was ready to kick him out of the team for his petulant attitude and discord he created in the team while they were fighting on two fronts, to win the league title and the AFC Champions league. Eventually, Biranvand came to his senses and returned, but traces of that episode are evident in his poor performances following that period.

On the other hand,  Zob Ahan goalkeeper and number 3 choice in Team Melli , Rashid Mazaheri was majestic in his performance against Esteghlal in the same stage of the AFC champions league match. Estaghlal lost to late penalty  for Zob Ahan to take a slender lead to Azadi. Despite that eye catching performance in goal for Zob Ahan, It would be very difficult to name Mazaheri as the best goalkeeper in Iran, because right in the opposite end of the field was none other than Seyed Mehdi Rahmati whose saves and reflexes was world class. An outcast in Team Melli, his skills and experience has saved Esteghlal time after time in that match. It was a sterling performance from the veteran keeper and Rahmati was at his best.

Two great performances from two Iranian keepers in the same match, was the highlight of this round of AFC Champions league. Two exceptional performances that has brought back some of the confidence lost in Iranian keepers and their qualities. Queiroz has no more than 3 games to check on his choice of goalkeeper for the World Cup. Birnavand has served him well and the Portuguese head coach is known to be loyal to his troops. But he has also shown that he can be demanding and would not hesitate to make drastic changes or drop star players if their performances and forms are not up to his standard.

Every player makes mistakes, and with goalkeepers by their nature being the last line of defence, theirs will be the costliest. Queiroz has one serious problem on his hand at that end.

Ghalenoei criticizes the match vs. Sierra Leone

Amir Ghalenoei, ex-Team Melli and current Zob Ahan coach , spoke about the upcoming match of Team Melli versus Sierra Leone team.

“We need to find out if our international communications director and our Public Relations are such that we can attract better teams to Iran? In the days I was a coach of the national team, I swear to God that I had arranged the international friendlies, preparation matches and logistics two years in advance.” Ghalenoei said.

The former Estighlal coach and the record holder of league titles with different Iranian clubs, added “although the Football Federation was suspended at that time, with the in-fighting between the two political factions within the FFIRI, I said to myself that even if I have little time as the coach of Team Melli, I would do something significant”

Ghalenoei prompted “We should look for the preparation program of the national team’s technical staff.  Certainly, such games like Sierra Leone, do not serve Iran’s football, but the question remains, have we been able to meet the demands of the technical staff with all those political problems surrounding us? I doubt that the technical staff of Team Melli would have been interested to meet such a team in the preparation for the World Cup, perhaps they had no choice but grudgingly accept the game as they had no other options. “

In another part of the interview, Ghalenoei spoke about the Secretary of the Football Federation Mohammad Reza Saket, “He (Saket) has 15 years of administration experience in football, but this game against a weak African team, does not help our cause.”

“I’m sorry, to say this,” he said. “but, in countries like us, some executives work 20 hours a day; this means disaster. This shows that our country is a hundred years behind. The executive‘s disillusionment will be disastrous in the second month. One manager should work eight hours, have eight hours to rest and have eight hours to go to his family; where not a programmer, a manager is proud to say that I am at work from five in the morning or I work for 20 hours; I have to work on everything in the program and the perspective.

Ghalenoei praised Carlos Queiroz for his results with Team Melli. “In general, his reputation and fame meant international recognition, and after six years he has become an aristocratic football coach. In countries like Iran, where there is systematic lack of planning, managers who can make a difference and are competent , do not have a chance or not given the opportunity  to be leaders, and there are some who are elevated by nepotism, who  get to position they do not deserve and serve without much vision or success. The end result is that nobody is enjoying football run by these people.”

Team Melli Hopeful: Morteza Tabrizi

Morteza Tabrizi, is one more serious contender for a Team Melli jersey come June 2018 when the whole world will be enjoying the FIFA World cup 2018
A late developer in football, Tabrizi only came into contention a couple of season ago. Tall and skillful, he has an Ali Daei like style. His heading ability and goals from headers are becoming a trademark.

Tabrizi, unlike his surname suggests, was actually born in Hamedan on January 6th, 1991. Played his early football in Talar Vahdat in his home town then Mes Kerman. His senior career started at Pas Hamedan where the tall forward stuttered and only managed to score a few (5 goals) in just short of 3 years. Despite that , he was actually called for the Iran U23 team.

The break for Tabrizi came when he was transferred to Zob Ahan in 2013. The central forward was given ample opportunities to prove his worth and more playing time. Tabrizi`s confidence grew and with it came the goals.
Tabrizi towering physique helped him in scoring freely and specifically beating his markers in the air. He eventually attracted Team Melli selectors attention and was called several times, however he has yet to make his debut.
This season is by far the best that the 27 years old Tabrizi has played in his career. The AFC Champions league seems to be his favorite.


The only doubt that exists in this potentially great match winner is his confidence in front if the goal. He seems to be wasteful at times and could have scored many goals than he actually has if had more assertiveness and determination qualities. His conversion rate could be much better. A good mentor would make Tabrizi a great forward for steam Mell i.

The competition up front for places is quite stiff. In fact the best players of thus current Team Kelli are all forwards. Tabrizi will have a tough time dislodging the others for a place in that plane which will take team Kelli to Moscow, however, he has exceptional heading ability that only Azmoun can match in the squad.

Senior career*

 

Years Team Apps Goals
2010–2013 Pas Hamedan     35 5
2013–  Zob Ahan     133 37
National teams
2012–2014 Iran U23 5 2

 

Mehran Derakhshan nominated as one of the shinning stars of AFC U-23 Championship

Mehran Derakhshan has been identified one of the top 10 prospect stars in AFC Asian U-23 Championships which will kick off in the Kyrgyz Republic this week.

Despite being just 18 years of age, Mehran Derakhshanmehr already boasts valuable experience at the top level, having played all six games for his club Zobahan in the group stage of the 2017 AFC Champions League.

Derakhshanmehr has been a part of Iran’s youth set-up for almost three years, and was a member of the side that reached the last eight of the 2014 AFC U-16 Championship in Thailand.

The left-sided player is comfortable in both defence and midfield and, having only made his debut for Zobahan in 2016, has already established himself as a first-team regular.

With the senior team having already secured their place at the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, Derakhshanmehr will be one of a number of Iran players looking to shine in the coming months and catch coach Carlos Queiroz’s eyes.