Project or Money?.. Tunisian Coach Faces a Tough Test in the Stars League
The Iraqi Stars League in its current season is witnessing remarkable brilliance from a number of local and Arab coaches, with Tunisian Yamen Zelfani being one of the most prominent names who have made a strong presence. He has brought about a qualitative transformation in the performance of the Diyala team, especially with the team's transition from danger zones and escaping the specter of relegation to safer areas within the standings.
Zelfani is delivering outstanding technical levels with the team, as he succeeded in developing the style of play, moving away from the traditional defensive tactics that hindered the team in previous seasons, and focusing on building attacks through short passes and quick transitions, which made his team capable of embarrassing big teams and competing for important points in the league.
Diyala Club President Raheem said in extensive media statements: "We frankly confirm that Yamen Zelfani is one of the distinguished coaches on the local scene, as he possesses a great mentality and a clear technical vision. Through his work with the team's technical staff, he was able to noticeably raise the team's level and offer enjoyable and distinctive football, which we have long aspired to."
He added: "Our commitments in our work do not only include financial aspects but extend to include ethical and professional commitments. When Zelfani came to the club, we set a clear work plan for several years, and there was an agreement to adhere to this shared vision. Therefore, this journey cannot be reduced to immediate decisions without considering the overall project of the club."
Raheem continued: "Zelfani has shown ethical commitment and a genuine desire to achieve accomplishments worthy of Diyala's name in the Iraqi league. During his time with us, we have noticed that his interest is not purely financial but focuses on technical achievements and achieving success for the team, which distinguishes a coach with high standards."
The club president concluded: "Zelfani took over the team in extremely difficult circumstances, and the team was close to relegation and exiting the professional league, but he managed to maintain the team's position within the competition. In the current season, he succeeded in creating a competitive team capable of reaching advanced technical levels, which reflects the great work he has done and is fully appreciated by us."
Regarding news of contacts from other clubs, Raheem said: "This is natural for any successful coach. Yes, there are contacts and inquiries as happens with any prominent name in Iraq, but so far there is no official agreement or advanced negotiation. We respect the coach's decisions, and he, in turn, is committed to the project he started with us, and the relationship is based on trust and mutual respect."
Raheem concluded his remarks by saying: "The club management is firmly committed to Zelfani's services, and we are working with him to achieve important future goals for the team, and we are working to make the most of his technical expertise in the current and upcoming seasons, with no intention of severing the relationship."
Diyala Club occupies the tenth position in the Iraqi Stars League standings this season, where the team collected 27 points from 18 matches, after winning 7 matches, drawing in 6, and losing in 5 encounters, which illustrates the team's relative balance in the current season under Zelfani's leadership, who has become one of the most prominent coaches who made a real difference in the Iraqi league this season.
Zelfani is delivering outstanding technical levels with the team, as he succeeded in developing the style of play, moving away from the traditional defensive tactics that hindered the team in previous seasons, and focusing on building attacks through short passes and quick transitions, which made his team capable of embarrassing big teams and competing for important points in the league.
Diyala Club President Raheem said in extensive media statements: "We frankly confirm that Yamen Zelfani is one of the distinguished coaches on the local scene, as he possesses a great mentality and a clear technical vision. Through his work with the team's technical staff, he was able to noticeably raise the team's level and offer enjoyable and distinctive football, which we have long aspired to."
He added: "Our commitments in our work do not only include financial aspects but extend to include ethical and professional commitments. When Zelfani came to the club, we set a clear work plan for several years, and there was an agreement to adhere to this shared vision. Therefore, this journey cannot be reduced to immediate decisions without considering the overall project of the club."
Raheem continued: "Zelfani has shown ethical commitment and a genuine desire to achieve accomplishments worthy of Diyala's name in the Iraqi league. During his time with us, we have noticed that his interest is not purely financial but focuses on technical achievements and achieving success for the team, which distinguishes a coach with high standards."
The club president concluded: "Zelfani took over the team in extremely difficult circumstances, and the team was close to relegation and exiting the professional league, but he managed to maintain the team's position within the competition. In the current season, he succeeded in creating a competitive team capable of reaching advanced technical levels, which reflects the great work he has done and is fully appreciated by us."
Regarding news of contacts from other clubs, Raheem said: "This is natural for any successful coach. Yes, there are contacts and inquiries as happens with any prominent name in Iraq, but so far there is no official agreement or advanced negotiation. We respect the coach's decisions, and he, in turn, is committed to the project he started with us, and the relationship is based on trust and mutual respect."
Raheem concluded his remarks by saying: "The club management is firmly committed to Zelfani's services, and we are working with him to achieve important future goals for the team, and we are working to make the most of his technical expertise in the current and upcoming seasons, with no intention of severing the relationship."
Diyala Club occupies the tenth position in the Iraqi Stars League standings this season, where the team collected 27 points from 18 matches, after winning 7 matches, drawing in 6, and losing in 5 encounters, which illustrates the team's relative balance in the current season under Zelfani's leadership, who has become one of the most prominent coaches who made a real difference in the Iraqi league this season.