“There is no coach in the world who as meticulous in executing his plans as Carlos Queiroz , however , even a coach like him should understand that he needs to be more conscious of some issues.”
That is how Heshmat Mohajerani , the legendary ex-Team Melli coach started his interview with Khabar Online. “Before anyone else in Iran, I have worked directly and for a period of one year with Carlos Queiroz in the UAE while both working for the National Team of that country. No one can deny the ability of this coach, however, he still needs to be more wary and vigilant in some of his decision making. In many places, when you ask about who is the best football coach in planning and development , Queiroz name will be on the top of the list. Unfortunately, it seems that even while employing a coach in the standard and stature of Queiroz , we have failed to achieve satisfactory results. We need to question ourselves why this is happening and we have to start by looking at the way we deal with him. And also think about our own expectation from the team. Our Team Melli is not playing well; it is all to do with the type of football we play from grassroots levels onwards and our expectations from the coach.”
“It is really not the right time to go through such changes now.”
Heshamat Mohajerni who was the first coach to lead Iran to the World Cup in 1978 in Argentina, was asked about his opinion about demands circulating amongst many experts who feel that it is about time that changes in Team Melli should be implemented by introducing new suitable players instead of the same old repetitive names that have not delivered, while the more senior players such as Ali Karimi should be either sidelined or play a peripheral role. Mohajerani said “ It is really not the right time to go through such changes now. If we lose to South Korea, it is as good as saying goodbye to the World Cup. We must not allow this to happen. We should all protect and support Team Melli at such crucial stage. I quite agree with Queiroz that this is not the right time for making changes. We have lost 3 precious years in making those changes and the changes we are talking about should have been done during the era of previous coaches. The fact that a player is good in the league does not necessary mean he is a good player at international level. If I was in Queiroz’s place I would not let go of Ali Karimi and would take him for special training while whipping his body until it is in shape for the match against South Korea where he will be an asset.”
“I urge Queiroz to invite the young and promising players of the league to Team Melli camp.”
Mohajerani then commented on the disciplinary issue with Ali Karimi and said he followed the news that there was friction between the Perspolis Captain and his Portuguese club coach Manuel Jose. He believes that these news are venomous to Iran’s football. “Some say that every time that Karimi returns from duty with Team Melli , his behavior with Manuel Jose changes to the worst to the extent that he insults the coach. We must not take such rumors seriously and if there are talks that Queiroz is bad mouthing his compatriot and Perspolis coach , Manuel Jose , then this is certainly not a good omen. We should not spread such news at all. On the other hand, I urge Queiroz to invite the young and promising players of the league to Team Melli camp. When these new players train with the regular squad and show their worth, the senior players , like Karimi , will be anxious for the final list of 18 players because they feel that there are options and alternatives to the coach in form of these new players. The senior player should always feel the competition on their back to remain on their toes.” Mohajerani commented.
“When a National Team coach does not follow the league and does not invite newer players and when such coach opts to use some players in different positions than their usual , such things will naturally raise criticism and concern.”
About inviting Iranian expatriate players, Mohajerani said “ When Team Melli invite a player in the class of Ashkan Dejagah , it is a very delightful event because he will be an asset to the team, but about the other selections such as Omid Nazari , we need to ask ourselves, does he have anything better than the Iran League players ? If he has exceptional or better skill , then he should be invited. I have heard that Steven Beitashour , (an American professional soccer player who currently plays for the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer) is being considered. Such player will definitely be useful for Team Melli. Even that young man Ghoochanejad I have not actually seen him play but his uncle Jalil Ghoochanejad was one of my players in Abo Moslem while his brother was a member of the Iran national Volleyball team. They come from a sporting family and most have excelled in their fields. But , I still maintain that I have not seen him play to form a concrete opinion”
“Our football and our team Melli needs a positive shock treatment.“
About the chance of Team Melli qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil , Mohajerani said “Our football and our team Melli needs a positive shock treatment. We need a sweet victory and we should all support our team. If there was any changes to happen it would have happened by now. There has been enough criticism of Team Melli . Carlos Queiroz was our best foreign option. Our current problem is a crisis of confidence as we seem to lack the winning spirit in the team. We need everyone to support the team against Korea, else it is another good bye to the world cup.”