Iran’s preparations for Saturday’s clash with Argentina have been rocked by the news that coach Carlos Queiroz intends to stand down after the World Cup.

The former Real Madrid boss masterminded Team Melli’s qualification for Brazil 2014 and inked a new deal earlier this year ensuring he would be be in charge until the end of the tournament. Iran’s football chiefs are keen for the popular Portuguese to stay on, but Queiroz’s departure looks inevitable after he stated he doesn’t believe he can take the country any further due to financial restrictions. “I will end my relationship (with Iran) after the World Cup,” he told Portuguese publication Publico. “There was a moment when Iran proposed me to stay, and they still do show they want me here. “But there is not enough support from the government, and it’s clear this interest, in fact, is over, due to financial conditions, to keep doing the job we have been developing at the national squads. “The dialogue is over, and I already decided that I am not going to stay.”

Queiroz oversaw Iran’s 0-0 with Nigeria in their opening Group F match on Monday, and is now preparing his side for a showdown with Lionel Messi and Argentina.