19.04.2025 15:20
The Iranian team Persepolis's head coach Ismail Kartal spoke about his future after the match in which they lost 2-0 to Sepahan. Responding to insinuating questions about his own future with, "So you don't want me to stay," Kartal expressed his frustration and stated that the decision should be made by the club.
The head coach of Iran's Persepolis team, İsmail Kartal, made statements after the match in which they lost 2-0 to Sepahan.
"WE HAVE TO BUILD A NEW TEAM"
The experienced coach stated that Sepahan deserved to win and apologized to the fans who came to the stadium. Speaking about the squad planning for the next season, İsmail Kartal said, "We have to build a new team, a stronger team. We need to form a team with new players, and we have been pursuing this for a long time. We have talked several times with General Manager Reza Darwish and the board members. The truth is we need to strengthen the team. We do not have a key player in some positions, and we do not have good backup players in other positions. This is the reality."
"SO YOU DON'T WANT ME TO STAY"
In response to a question about potential changes at Persepolis for the next season, İsmail Kartal said, "Such things happen in football. No team can be champions every year. Persepolis has been in decline since last year. I am talking about the facts; they have given their best players to other teams. For Persepolis to rise to the top again, they need to acquire the best players. Teams do not rise or fall gradually; every team experiences ups and downs. We are currently in a decline, but we have time to prepare for the new season. We have started working from now on."
After this response, the experienced coach received a reaction to the question, "How sure are you that you will remain in charge of the team next season?" He replied, "So you don't want me to stay! The club should make the decision. I will respect whatever decision the club makes. My character and my job are clear, and I have complete confidence in myself. Look at the matches we played with Fenerbahçe in the Europa League, and you will understand what I did."
"OUR ROUTINE HAS BEEN LIKE THIS FOR THREE MONTHS"
While talking about the sacrifices he made with his team, İsmail Kartal said, "I am doing my best at Persepolis as well. Since the topic has come up, let me say a few things: We have been at Persepolis for three months, and my team and I have only gone to Turkey once to see our families.
For three months, we have been going back and forth from the hotel to training and from training to the hotel. Everyone knows our routine has been like this for three months, and they know how much we want to be successful. But sometimes, due to injuries or illnesses, your chances of winning decrease. I am comfortable, and that is why I am looking to the future."