Esteghlal coach criticizes team performance after draw with Chadormalu

Esteghlal head coach Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh acknowledged that his team struggled with focus and motivation during the first 30 minutes of their 1-1 draw against Chadormalu Ardakan. Speaking after the match in Yazd, Bakhtiarizadeh noted that Chadormalu players were more energetic and concentrated early on, leading to frequent simple passing errors from the Esteghlal squad.

While Esteghlal took an early lead in the 29th minute through Yaser Asani, Chadormalu equalized in the 54th minute via a goal by Reza Mahmoudabadi. Bakhtiarizadeh attributed the dip in performance to the heavy schedule and physical fatigue resulting from recent high-pressure matches, including participation in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Despite the fatigue, the coach emphasized that such conditions do not excuse poor play. He also addressed his decision to make three simultaneous substitutions in the second half, stating it was a pre-planned tactical move to inject energy into the team rather than a sign of dissatisfaction with specific players.