Garrido was appointed Persepolis head coach in June on a two-year contract having previously coached Villarreal, Club Brugge, Betis and Al Ain before working extensively in club football in north Africa.

He replaced Osmar Loss, who left in June after winning the league title to join Thai League 1 side Buriram United, but Persepolis’ defence of the crown has faltered with Garrido’s tenure ending after a 3-1 loss against Mes Rafsanjan on Sunday.

The 55-year-old led Persepolis to sixth place in the current standings of the western league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 with six points. The Iranians are two points ahead of ninth placed Pakhtakor in the quest for a top eight finish and a last 16 berth.

Persepolis will travel to face Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC, who have already booked their place in the next round, when the competition resumes on February 4 before meeting Al Nassr on February 17.