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2026-08-04 10:08 UTC → 2026-08-15 06:24 UTC ·
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Persepolis coach Tartar leads preseason and undergoes generational squad changes overhaul
After confirming Following the appointment of Mehdi Tartar as head coach in early July 2026, Persepolis organized conducted a 12‑day 12-day preseason camp in Turkey. The camp was used Turkey to evaluate six squad members – Tavi Bafuma, Daniel Gra, Yasin Salmani, Alireza Homayounfar, Alireza Enayat‑zadeh and Amir Reza Rafie – and featured a friendly against Turkish side Pyramidz that ended 1‑0 when Bafuma scored a late header. Following the camp, the club reshaped the roster to fit Tartar’s tactical approach. New signings integrate new signings. The club’s transfer strategy has focused on players familiar with his system, including Tartar’s tactics, specifically former Gol Gohar teammates Mehdi Tikhari, Pouya Pour‑Ali, Pour-Ali, Majid Iddi, Pouya Shahrabadi and Pouya Shahrabadi, alongside defender Mohammad‑Mahdi Mohammad-Mahdi Zareh from Russia. At As the same time, long‑serving veterans Mortaza Pourali (defender, 80 appearances) and Soroush Rafiei (midfielder, 163 appearances) had their contracts terminated; Pourali is expected to move team prepares for the 26th Iranian Premier League season opener against Shams Azar Qazvin, Tartar has characterized the significant roster changes as a strategic “generational change” designed to Iraq reshape the team’s age structure. Tartar took responsibility for the decisions, noting that the departures of several veteran players—including Soroush Rafiei, Mortaza Pourali, Omid Alishah, and Rafiei Milad Sarlak—were intended to continue his career in Canada. These moves aim improve the club’s long-term outlook. The transition has met with mixed reactions. While the club aims to solidify Persepolis’ squad ahead the squad, veteran Rahim Yousefi expressed skepticism regarding the current technical staff, suggesting that a high-profile foreign coach might be necessary for future success. Yousefi also referenced ongoing discussions regarding the controversial conclusion of the 2023‑24 league campaign. previous season and the potential awarding of the title to Esteghlal FC.