Commenting on the training camp, preparations, friendly matches, and the forthcoming game against Uruguay: ” You should know that I gave a plan to the federation three months ago and asked them to consider the best teams for the preparatory game. Teams that are on a similar level and conditions to our opponents in the World Cup. I don’t want to fuel rumors now either. I have been told that the match with Uruguay has been confirmed.”  He continued: ” What is important for us is to be able to prepare our players in the best condition possible and to be able to go to Qatar with full preparation. I have not suggested any team for friendly matches. As a head coach, I should not suggest a team. That’s why I left this choice in the hands of the federation.”

In response to the question of whether he made breakfast mandatory for all the players, the head coach of Team Melli said: ” If breakfast was the only problem, it shows that the rest of the things were carried out correctly. We were able to pull off the fastest qualification to the World Cup in the history of Iran, now why do they focus on breakfast!? ” Skočić continued: “Definitely, players should not make decisions about things like breakfast, they should focus on their real work, about how to improve and correct their shortfalls. The expectation from the players is to show their best performance in training and games.”

On the group opponents in the World Cup: “Our first opponent is England, everything is clear about this team. We must step into the field with faith and high motivation. Wales has many similarities to England in terms of players. physical and style of play. These two teams are very good.  I think some might believe that the American team is a below-strength former team, but this team has changed a lot. We have to prepare for three important and difficult games.”

On the question that Skočić invited too many players to the camp, he responded: ” There are talks about the previous camp, which was an exception. Due to some problems, I had to invite a large number, but in the next camp, the number will be standard. At the beginning of the camp, we will invite some domestic league players for the pre-camp. In this sense, maybe the number of players will be more than the standard model. ”
“Will you invite new players to the team?” was another question asked “, ” It is my duty to see the players of different clubs. I will travel to Turkey to watch our Iranian players playing there. I have always tried to invite the best players who are in form to the camp. I have to invite players to the camp who understand my wishes,” continued Skočić, who spoke to Channel Five TV’s stadium program.

” I have to analyze and check all the issues before allowing a player to don a Team Melli jersey. I don’t think the presence of this number of players will harm the coordination of the team. I know a lot about the players. Every player who was invited had a reason. It is my duty to invite players I deem fit.”

Regarding why he is not happy compared to the past, Skočić said: ” One of the reasons is the rumors I keep hearing. I have spent my whole life in football. I try to keep a positive attitude all the time. Let’s look back at the qualification we accomplished. Look how much some outside elements wanted to knock us down. But now, I also have an internal dragon that has been active within the team. Ever since I took over the responsibility of the national team, you have seen the leadership instability that has been experienced in the football federation. Put the chaos of the squad next to the chaos of the federation administration, it will probably realize how much energy I had to put into controlling the team. It was a near impossible mission”

Regarding the meeting with the technical committee and if he is worried about the future, he said: ” I have not had a meeting with the technical committee. This is an unacceptable issue. If a technical committee believed there are shortcomings or problems in my work or the squad, they should have discussed it with me and listened to what is really happening to the team before they pass judgment. It is not right that they judge unilaterally. This is flawed judgment and inappropriate.” 

Skočić continued: ” I take responsibility for the team and I have accepted all the pressures. I have spent my whole life under the pressure of football and I emphasize that I take full responsibility for the team’s failures.  Just as you wrote the results of the previous matches in my name, write the results of the next games in my name. ”

On Team Melli’s tactics and style in the World cup against strong opponents ranked above Iran in the FIFA Ranking, Skočić said: “Be rest assured that I am not doing something childish. We will play each game aiming for a good result. We are not going to play 100% offensive football while not having anything to do with defense. We want to create balance in the team. We want to perform at our best. We have to attack and create opportunities in front of each of these teams and not just defend.”

Dragan Skočić said about the support given to him by Iranian football stars: ” After all, I am also human and you will feel good when you are supported and appreciated. I am trying to improve myself and I want to bear this pressure so that I can make the best thing happen for the Iranian national team. How many people talk about me without even knowing me and without any shred of evidence?  this is not acceptable at all. I can be much better if there is more support.”

Skočić answered a question about the selection of the captain: ” You are now dragging us to talk about rumors. The tradition is that the most experienced player is the Captain. Each of the national team players who wear the national team shirt must be a captain because they represent a nation. Definitely, and especially less experienced players should have this mentality.”