Day: March 20, 2024

Team Melli – Latest News

The Training sessions of Team Melli continued on Tuesday in preparation for the Thursday match versus Turkmenistan in Azadi Stadium.

First Casulaity

Payam Naiazmand, one of Team Melli’s four goalkeepers, has pulled out from the training camp and will miss both matches against Turkmenistan.

The Sepahan keeper has suffered an injury and will not be part of the team traveling to Ashgabat for the return leg.

FULL COMPLIMENT OF PLAYERS

Meanwhile, all the legionnaires called for the squad have arrived and started the training with their domestic league teammates on Tuesday.

A SPECIAL GUEST

Edgar Davids, the former Netherlands player. was the guest of honor in the Training of Team Melli.

In this training, “Edgar Davids: the former player of the Dutch national team, Juventus and Barcelona teams, while attending Team Melli’s camp, met and talked to Amir Ghalenoei and the players. Davids, in the presence of the national team players, shared his experiences in playing in the important world football tournaments, calling the achievement of honor for the people of the country the most important issue for the national players. Addressing the players, Davids said, ” I always follow your games.” He concluded by saying ” Achieve something in football that not only makes your family and parents happy but also the people of your country to be proud of you.

THE LIST CATEGORIZATION

NEW CALLOUTS
Amin Hizbavi: (20 yrs) DF – Born in Ahvaz on 6th May 2003 Club|: Al Sadd -Qatar
One of the most promising defenders of Iran. his physique, aerial ability, and tough tackling make him a defender with a bright future. Has already captained the U20 team.

  1. Arsha Shakouri (17 yrs) GK – Esteghlal Tehran – Born: 1-Oct-2006 in Tehran
  2. Hossein Goudarzi – (22 yrs) DF – Shams Azar – Born: 3 May 2001 in Boroujard
  3. Javad Aghaeipour – (24 yrs) FW- Esteghlal Khuzestan – Born : 6 Dec 1999 in Rasht
  4. Mohammad Ghorbani, (22 yrs) MF – Orenburg Born: 21 May 2001 in Arak
  5. Mehdi Limuchi : (25 yrs) FW Aluminium Arak – Born: 23 Nov 1999 in Kazeroon
  6. Mohammad Reza Azadi : (24 yrs) FW- Nassaji Mazandaran- Born: 7 Dec 1999 in Tabriz
  7. Saeed Saharkhizan – (20 yrs) FW- Gol Gohar Sirjan FC – Born: 26 Jun 2003 in Ardabil

RECALL

  1. Saleh Hardani
  2. Saman Fallah
  3. Abolfazl Jalali
  4. Omid Nourafkan
  5. Allhayar Sayyadmanesh

DROPPED

  1. Reza ASADI
  2. Shahriyar MOGHANLOU
  3. Omid EBRAHIMI
  4. Ehsan HAJSAFI
  5. Karim ANSARIFARD
  6. Rouzbeh CHESHMI
  7. Mohammad KARIMI
  8. Mohammad DANESHGAR
  9. Morteza POURALIGANJI
  10. 10- Ali Karimi

INJURY LIST

  1. Arya YOUSEFI
  2. Sadegh MOHARRAMI
  3. Majid HOSSEINI
  4. Mohammed Javad Hosseinnejad

Evolving Perspectives: Amir Ghalanoei’s Squad Selection and Team Melli’s Future

Amir Ghalanoei, under significant public and media scrutiny, has made a pivotal decision by introducing eight new players to the squad facing Turkmenistan in Azadi, a crucial step in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The inclusion of these fresh faces reflects a notable shift in response to public demands for younger talents in Team Melli, along with a strategic move to diversify player selections from various league clubs, breaking the monopoly of the dominant three clubs, ESteghlal, Persepolis, and Sepahan.

Acknowledging the coach’s results-driven approach, it’s evident that Ghalenoei prioritizes experience to secure victories, a sentiment shared by many Iranian coaches. However, this strategy raises concerns about nurturing young talents within Team Melli, a responsibility Ghalenoei emphasizes falls on the shoulders of clubs due to their limited resources and focus on immediate results. Such a situation is tricky, creating a challenging cycle for the national team.

Despite the infusion of new talent, expectations for significant changes in the starting lineup remain low, reflecting Ghaleneoi’s conservative coaching style and reluctance to embrace change or take risks. This conservatism is evident in the retention of senior players like the 36-year-old central defender Shoja’a Khalilzadeh and the persistent presence of underperforming players in key posts like Saeed Ezatollahi highlighting a reluctance to explore alternative options.

In midfield, the absence of versatile midfielder Rouzbeh Chesmi raises eyebrows, given his abilities and impactful contributions to Esteghlal. Chesmi’s wonder goal in the league a few weeks back, would have surely guaranteed him a place in the 29 players list, but it was not to be. Meanwhile, players like Ghoddos and Jahanbaksh, despite club-level challenges, maintain their spots in the starting lineup, showcasing Ghalenoei’s trust in their abilities and potential impact.

Looking ahead to the offensive line, Azmoun and Taremi are expected to lead the charge, despite challenges faced by Azmoun in securing regular playing time. Taremi is experiencing his worst season in |Portugal, but his starting lineup is virtually assured. This reliance on established players underscores the persistent reliance on familiar faces within Team Melli.

While the additions to the roster are promising, doubts linger about Ghalenoei’s commitment to rejuvenating Team Melli, with skeptics suggesting that these changes might be superficial rather than substantive. However, the upcoming match against Turkmenistan presents an opportunity for Team Melli to demonstrate their quality on the field and secure a convincing victory, potentially silencing critics and satisfying fans’ expectations.

In conclusion, Ghalenoei’s squad selection reflects a delicate balance between experience and rejuvenation, highlighting ongoing challenges in nurturing young talents and embracing change within Team Melli. The upcoming match serves as a litmus test for both the coach’s strategic decisions and the team’s performance, offering insights into Team Melli’s trajectory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.