News ID: 602

Date: 01 February 2026 - 15:59

Jafari:

We Must Critically Assess Ourselves to Overcome Weaknesses

Jafari, emphasized the necessity of self-criticism within the team’s technical structure, acknowledging preparation challenges ahead of Women’s Asian Cup due to limited time and restricted player availability.

According to the official website of the Football Federation, head coach Marzieh Jafari outlined the team’s plans and upcoming training camps prior to departure for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. She explained that the national team’s training camp will begin on February 12 (23 Bahman), immediately after the conclusion of the Women’s Premier League, at the National Football Center.

With less than a month remaining before their first official match, Jafari noted that this short preparation window makes the team’s training process extremely tight and demanding.

Jafari admitted that limited time is one of her team’s main challenges, stating:

“Preparing a national team under ideal conditions requires more time. However, due to the ongoing Premier League and the constraints of the competition calendar, we have faced significant restrictions. Honestly, limited access to players has made the preparation process difficult, and so far it hasn’t progressed as well as we had hoped. This is a concern we fully acknowledge.”

She stressed that self-criticism is a guiding principle for her and the technical staff in order to make more precise decisions during the remaining preparation period.

The coach explained that during this short window, the staff must simultaneously enhance the mental, physical, and technical readiness of the players. Each training session, she said, is crucial for achieving optimal form.

“The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is a high-pressure, technically advanced tournament. Players must be ready both physically and psychologically. Managing training loads, maintaining player health, and improving team cohesion are our top priorities,” Jafari asserted.

She further expressed concern about potential injuries at this critical stage, noting that any setback could disrupt the preparation process given the lack of time for recovery.

Discussing pre-tournament arrangements, Jafari mentioned that during the most recent FIFA international break, the team traveled to Uzbekistan with a second-string lineup for two friendly matches.

“We also planned to play a preparatory match in Australia before the start of the Asian Cup, but unfortunately, that could not be arranged,” she added, referring to Uzbekistan’s subsequent friendly victory over Vietnam as an indicator of growing regional competition levels.

Jafari highlighted that Iran’s first match at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup is scheduled for March 2 (11 Esfand), noting:

“We are entering a very tight, decisive period. The team is set to travel to Australia on February 25 (6 Esfand). With careful planning, focus, and unity among players and staff, we will do our best to reach the highest possible level of readiness.”

In conclusion, the head coach reaffirmed the team’s commitment to improving through introspection and constructive critique:

“We must evaluate ourselves critically to correct our weaknesses in the remaining time. Our ultimate goal is the success of Iranian women’s football. With unity, dialogue, and careful planning, we can send a well-prepared and cohesive team to Australia, proudly representing our nation.”