Afshin Ghotbi’s Perspolis delivers in dramatic style

He was an outsider, did not speak the language as fluently, wan not familiar with the culture and people that he had left behind more than 30 years ago, but he wanted the challenge; the challenge to take on all the odds and prove that he was ready for the primetime.

Afshin Ghotbi achieved the goal that he set for himself from the first day he took the job at Perspolis FC. The forty something Iranian-American had no idea that he was stepping into a snake pit that has devoured more experience coaches throughout its history. At times he so puzzled by what was happening in his own clubhouse that he was lost for words to describe it, but never he even considered lowering the bar and giving in to the idea that he may not be able to win the league with this team in this year.

What transpired on Saturday in Tehran’s Azadi stadium was nothing short of a cardiac ending. Perspolis took the lead early, then gave it up, but then on the last minute of the injury time pulled off a winner.

The victory not only sent 100,000 Perspolis fans in the stadium into frenzy, but it also drove the fans around the country into the streets waving anything red they could find.

This victory is good for Ghotbi, good, for the club, good for the fans, and even good for the country. The question now is whether Ghotbi will stay for another year, or will he leave for Korea where his wife is from. He is regarded very highly there and the chances are he could have the top job with one of the top flight clubs if he chooses to do so.

My recommendation to him, pack it up and leave! Iranian football is notorious for turning on its heroes. The phrase “what have you done for me lately” takes on a literal meaning in the IPL.