Football

“I came to help Chennaiyin FC return to the top level”, says new signing Vafa Hakhamaneshi

 

Chennaiyin FC have added a horde of new foreign signings along with a new foreign head coach. Their signings have caught the eyes of many people  in Indian football and some people feel that they can compete for the title once again. Chennaiyin’s Asian signing Vafa Hakhamaneshi believes that the Marina Machans will be back in title contention in the Indian Super League after two years of dry spell.

The 2-times champions will be looking to rejuvenate themselves in the upcoming season having not made the playoffs in the last couple of seasons. But with new head coach Thomas Brdaric and the new signings the Marina Machans are greatly placed as one of the most fearsome outfits heading into the next season.

Hakhamaneshi, who has played seven seasons in the Iranian top division, comes to India with the intention of taking up a new challenge. He shared how he researched about the club on the internet and only saw good things about them.

“For the first time, a club called me to come here. I searched for Chennaiyin FC on the internet, I saw good stories, good fans and [that they are] two-time champions in the Indian Super League. I came to help the team come back to the top level,” Hakhamaneshi said in an interview with Sportskeeda.

He shares how the ISL only has 11 teams but they are all top teams unlike the Iranian League where not all of the teams are competitive. He also pointed out how the Iranian League does ot have much recovery time in between matches and that makes it very hard.

“Only 11 teams play [in the Hero ISL] but they are top teams. In Iran, one team will come to the Super League but won’t be at a good level. Out of 16 teams, only 12 teams may be good quality,” the Iranian highlighted.

“The Iranian league is so hard because there’s very little time between games. You won’t have time for a good recovery, to change tactics. In India, I think you have time before the next game to change your mind and tactics, to recover,” he added

Hakhamaneshi who started his career at Iran’s Sepahan, has also plied his trade for teams like Naft Tehran and Foolad. He became the Iranian champion with Foolad back in the 2013-14 season. He has been a journeyman in the Iranian League having played for teams like Fajr Sepasi, Khooneh, Sanat Naft, etc. Apart from these clubs he has also featured for famous Iranian outfit, Tractor before moving out of Iran to join Thai outfit Ratchaburi FC in 2021.

The 31-year-old centre back is experienced and has featured in the AFC Champions League and will be looking to play a major role in Thomas Brdaric’s system as he plans to revive the club and bring them back to their best in the upcoming season.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024