The Iranian coach Ali Reza Mansourian, head coach of the Al-Talaba team, revealed real problems facing players and clubs in the Iraqi football league, while also discussing the differences between the reality of Iraqi and Iranian football.

Mansourian took charge of the Al-Talaba team this season, succeeding the Qatari coach Talal Al-Balushi, where the Iranian coach managed to present positive performances with the 'Elegant' team in the Iraq Stars League competitions.

Mansourian said in exclusive statements to winwin that his previous knowledge of the Iraqi league was limited to a small number of big clubs, such as Al-Zawraa, Al-Shorta, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, and Al-Talaba, noting that he remembered these teams from more than 25 years ago.

He added that his actual experience in the Iraqi league revealed a different reality, explaining that all teams have a good level, and no team can be classified as the best or another as weak, pointing out that all clubs strive to present their best on the green rectangle.

The Al-Talaba coach indicated that he was worried before facing the Diyala team due to the good level it presents, confirming that the orange team, along with teams like Al-Zawraa and others, presents beautiful football, and that the competition in the Iraq Stars League is strong and close.

Mansourian explained that the most prominent problem he noticed in the Iraqi league is the financial suffering of some clubs, confirming that these teams need better support and funding, as financial stability is considered the cornerstone in club management, especially in modern football which relies heavily on funding to manage its affairs and pay players' dues.

The Iranian coach continued his talk by pointing out that the most important difference between the Iraqi and Iranian leagues lies in the focus on young talents, explaining that Iranian clubs invest heavily in age groups and seek to develop young players in the long term.

He added that Iraqi football needs greater attention to young talents in the coming years, whether by the Iraqi Football Association or the clubs, to build a strong base for the future.

Mansourian completed that one of the most prominent issues facing young players in Iraq is the lack of stability, as the player moves from one club to another in short periods, hindering his development process correctly, confirming that the solution lies in signing long-term contracts extending for four years with young players, considering this a real investment for the clubs.

It is noted that the Iraq Stars League has reached the fifteenth round so far and has witnessed several postponements during the current season due to the Iraqi national team's participation in the Asian qualifiers and the Arab Cup Qatar 2025.