Arie Haan starts his spell as Perspolis FC head coach

Arie Haan has finally arrived in Tehran to coach Perspolis FC.

Apparently the Dutchman was in for a rude awakening. After seeing the club’s practice facilities, he issued a stern warning to the club brass that they must do something about improving them or else.

I don’t know what the “else” means, but I am sure Arie knows. What he might not know though is that in the old continent everything moves so slow that a snail can be mistaken for Speedy Gonzales! By the time the budget for the “improved facilities” gets approved, we’ll be looking at WC 2022!

Anyway, Arie’s first game in charge will be the 30 years old Tehran derby between Perspolis and Esteghlal. For the last three decades the majority of the Iranian football fans have been divided into the Blues and the Reds. Emotions run deep and passions are high when the Reds of Perspolis line up against the Blues of Esteghlal.

Not counting the ties, Perspolis has been on the loosing end for a while. A victory here can make Haan an instant hero with the club’s faithful.

By the way, growing up I was a Red. Until a few years ago when I finally had to part with the old torn to shred piece of red and white cloth, I still had my old Perspolis jersey. These days, I tend to cheer for smaller clubs from other parts of the country because I think moving the center of power away from Tehran benefits Iranian football in the long run.

Good luck Arie, I am cheering for you!