Mustafa Denizli

TEHRAN – Mustafa Denizli was appointed as coach of Persepolis football team on Saturday. 

Denizli joined the Iranian giant on an 18-month contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 62-year-old Turk, who had already refused Tehran-based popular club’s offer in September, will lead Persepolis in the second half of the Iran Professional Football season. 

“I am so glad to be here because it’s so important to me the Persepolis fans love me. I love Iranian people, especially Persepolis fans as well and that’s why I am here. Persepolis has not done well in the first half of the season and we will have to change our way,” the former Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas coach said at the press conference held at Tehran’s Azadi Hotel.  

 

Denizli took charge of Besiktas football team in 2008 and won the double in his first season but quit his job in the summer of 2010 due to health problem.

He replaced Hamid Estili, who stepped down as the coach of Persepolis after arch rival Esteghlal knocked the team out of Iran’s Hazfi Cup on December 10.

Denizli has worked in Persepolis football team in 2006-07 season but has never won a cup in Iran’s most popular team.

Esteghlal coach

Esteghlal coach Parviz Mazloumi has condemned the standard of the Hafezieh pitch. 

Esteghlal lost to Fajr Sepasi 2-1 in the 21st week of Iran Professional League in Shiraz’s Hafezieh Stadium.

“Neither side found it easy to play on the ground. We have to play Shahin in this field in Iran’s Hazfi Cup final match and I hope that the officials changed their decisions,” Mazloumi said during the post match news conference.