TEHRAN Ismail Kartal, head coach of the Persepolis football team, has expressed their determination to win the title by the end of the season.Following a 2-1 victory over their archrivals Esteghlal in the Tehran derby on Thursday, Persepolis have narrowed the gap with top teams Tractor and Sepahan at the 2024/25 Iran Persian Gulf Professional League.Kartal, who was appointed as Persepolis coach two months ago, had previously stated that the team are focused on winning the title next season, a comment that sparked frustration among fans.We have had a busy schedule over the past months, and I need to spend more time with my team.
We want the championship this season and next, and were working hard for it, Kartal said at a press conference.A great club must have great facilities.
Footballers need to be comfortable.
To build a strong team and develop players, we need two fields like Azadi Stadium.
Unfortunately, Persepolis lack good facilities compared to those of Foolad, he added.We aim to showcase beautiful football.
I used to follow Iranian football, and now I understand it better.
My players are eager to learn, which makes me happy.
Ultimately, we want to bring joy to our fans, and our style of play achieves that.
I want to win all possible trophies with Persepolis.Right now, were not thinking about next season; we are focused on the current season to become champions.
Ill have more time to spend with the players and discuss next season.
I need time to build a good team.In Turkey, the training fields and stadiums are of much higher quality than in Iran.
Theres no significant difference between Turkey and Iran; both countries are similar.
If facilities improve, Iran will surpass Turkey.At the end of the season, I want to present the championship as a gift to the fans, Kartal concluded.