Tasnim - Esteghlal newly-appointed coach Winfried Schäfer has called on the club's supporters to stand behind the team after the poor start to the Iran Professional League (IPL) campaign.
The 67-year-old coach has penned a one year contract, with the option of extension.
The former Cameroon and Thailand head coach replaced Alireza Mansourian in the Iranian popular football team.
Under the guidance of Mansourian, Esteghlal suffered four defeats in seven matches.
“To have a successful team, we need our fans. We want our fans to be behind us in this moment. I want to help Esteghlal to claw its way back into the top teams, that’s why I am here,” Schäfer told reporters in the news press conference.
“Everyone should be proud of wearing Esteghlal jersey. First of all, we have to support our team to get back on the track. Then, we have to build Esteghlal’s future on new talented players,” the German added.
Schäfer has also worked at VfB Stuttgart, FK Baku, Karlsruher SC and Jamaica national football team.
Esteghlal sits 11th in Iran Professional League table. The Blues have bagged just eight points from eight matches.