Full interview by the Portuguese website publico.pt with Carlos Queiroz translated from Portuguese to English
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Carlos Queiroz is determined to go down in history as the only coach to successfully qualify four teams from different countries to the World Cup finals. At the end of the tournament in Brazil, the African continent will be his next destination. In an exclusive interview with Publico on the eve of the World Cup Premiere of Iran against Nigeria (0-0), the coach, 61, reveals some details of his spells at Real Madrid and Sporting, given his role in the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to the Spanish capital and recalls the difficulties he faced in the preparation of Iran
What is it like running the job at World Cup for Iran?
We are here in a kind of chess game. On the one hand we have to work on the balance of the team to the requirements of the World Cup; on the other hand , the physical, athletic and mental conditions do not allow players to go far. But preparations went according to what we had planned, despite the current circumstances existing in the country. We ended up playing only four preparation matches, but given the financial constraints related to international economic sanctions [with many teams refusing invitations to Iran for games] and the difficulties that the federation was in, we had to submit to the availability of some ‘friends’. And even so it was my personal contacts behind the scenes that led to Angola, Montenegro, Belarus, and Trinidad and Tobago to be available to play with us without major costs. Such was the reality that we faced.
You have been seen as an authentic hero in Iran …
Football has these spells to turn people into heroes. The results cause this illusion as often it also cause the opposite. I continue to be the same, but I’m really proud and satisfied. I would even say it was the hardest job I’ve had in my career. It was necessary to take everything I had inside me to get here. Being in the World Cup was not the result of a prize. Bring a team of amateur players for almost a proof of this, highly professional, with the demands of modern football, it was very difficult. It was an adventure. In little more than three years we have played over 50 games, lost only six times and we reached the top FIFA ranking of Asia. But the position in this table is not a true reflection of the sport because Iran is far behind of Japan and South Korea.
You went to get some experienced players and ‘naturalizing’ others born outside Iran. Did they add something to your team?
Yes, they brought some international experience to the team. But even so, in the eyes of analysts, it is almost always unrealistic even imagine the qualification of Iran for the second round of the World Cup. When addressing our group in Brazil, no one talks about our team , seems that we do not not account for this championship. And you cannot ignore that, because honestly, is a team of amateurs on and off the field. Have some players who line up on professional football in Europe, but in teams of second tier. In Iranian team no player has ever participated in the Champions League.
“Maybe my next career choice keep in sight become the first coach to classify four different teams to the World”
Carlos Queiroz
And that goal is unrealistic?
We know that we will play against three very powerful teams [Nigeria, Argentina and Bosnia] and if they give us an opportunity we must be prepared to take advantage. We have to utilize the spaces on the field and at the right times, trying to fight back, using the spaces and try to shoot at goal. We have to do everything with a positive mindset. We’re here to play in another league and when we are done move on to another phase in the evolution of the team. What I can say is that it was not easy to grasp my players and convinces them that they can fly. My job was to make them feel that, together and united, can create a real team spirit. Let’s see if we can sustain it for 90 minutes every game of this World Cup.
There is a great excitement in Iran for participating in this World Cup.
It is a country where football is in the DNA of people. It’s total madness and a passion for all Iranians. It is in their blood. The big derbies fills the stadium with a hundred thousand spectators. Each game has a television audience from 35 million to 50 million viewers. If Iran to score a goal in Brazil, millions of people will celebrate in the streets. For me as a coach it is very rewarding to leave this legacy in technical selection. We have come to this World Cup and Qualified for the Asian Cup 2015, being top in the group. I’ll leave the place Iran in a better place than I found it.
Looks like a farewell...
Yes, my bond (contract) will end here in World Cup. There was a phase of ‘dating’ in Iran they even proposed to me to continue and they are still continuing to demonstrate this desire for me to carry on the job in Iran. But there is not enough support from the government, and it seems clear that there was no longer an effective interest due to financial conditions, to keep the work at the level of teams. The dialogue was cut and I have decided that I will not stay.
Did you consult with Ferguson, Mourinho and Capello preparing for Iran?
I have a very close relationship with them, especially with Ferguson. We talked a lot, especially from their experience with smaller teams. I also spoke with the ‘Bora’ Milutinovic, who coached the U.S., Nigeria and China, countries that were also underdogs in these competitions.
Are you proud to be the Portuguese coach with the most experience in the world?
On one hand quite proud , on the other worried. I see myself as one of the last dinosaurs of the old guard [laughs]. Maybe it is time to start thinking about getting into the boots and give way to new ones. I am 61 years now, more than 30 years of football career and sometimes, what is difficult is not to succeed, but Staying it. I was lucky, privileged, effort and humility when things became difficult for me in Portugal, pack up and seek success where there was work. Never considered any dishonorable work. I was in the MetroStars [USA] I went to Japan [train Nagoya Grampus Eight], after that I managed the national teams of United Arab Emirates and South Africa
“I was lucky, and modest, when things became difficult for me in Portugal, I packed up and looked for success elsewhere” Carlos Queiroz
Are there any plans are for retirement?
I feel very well still. Maybe my next career option has become crosshairs as the first coach to qualify four different teams to the World Cup. I got South Africa, Portugal and now Iran to the World Cup. No one qualified 4 teams only three coaches qualified three different teams for this competition.[/column]
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Will it be as complicated as Iran?
Not so hard for the selection in question, which has many players playing in European first divisions teams, but it’s tricky because it will be an extremely competitive African environment. It’s very hard on this continent to qualify for the World Cup. But I cannot reveal the name of the team and still have not fully taken the decision.
Is there no chance of coaching a club?
Not until I had an offer to stay here [Brazil] and another to go to England. But due to circumstances of my private life, it is difficult, in the near future, to accept a club coaching job.
“The story of the world’s great teams is always spoken of great players and a star. By this I mean that Portugal cannot think of having success with the” no “Cristiano Ronaldo of 2010 World Cup in the team”
Carlos Queiroz
Have you regretted any decisions in your career?
I’ve always been quite bold and adventurous in my decisions.
Leave Manchester United for Real Madrid in 2003-04 was a mistake?
Ferguson [former United manager where Queiroz was assistant and possibilities to take the top job coach] tried to ask me to not accept. He knew the reality of the club, but when Real Madrid appear in people’s lives, the first thing we do is say ‘yes’ and only then we think. It is probably the most attractive club in the world for a coach, but extremely complex due to its greatness. But no coach in the world can refuse. To tell the truth, things were simpler for me than people can imagine. The relationship with the players was great and always played a great game.
What went wrong?
Unfortunately I could not warn the president [Florentino Perez] that the decisions we were taking were profoundly wrong, especially at the management level of important players. Release [Claude] [Old average defensive] Makelele to Chelsea for the sake of 600 000 euros. He was a crucial player for the team. Had actual cost of millions to the club. There was boastful decisions of the president. If he had listened to me, Cristiano Ronaldo had been hired earlier and for a much lower price that was paid for his transfer later. The same happened with Pepe. I ended up alone, but after me, how many coaches fell below at Real Madrid?
That memory has its passage by Sporting [only club he trained in Portugal]?
I know well what it was Sporting who found when I arrived [guided the “lions” between 1993 and 1995]. The team has not won anything for a few years and ended the championships away from first place. In my first season [replaced the English Bobby Robson, in the 1993-94 season] finished three points behind Benfica [who won the title] and went to the final of the Cup of Portugal with FC Porto [Sporting was defeated in the Grand Final for 2 1 after a goalless draw in the first game]. In the second year [1994-95] around the league have played against FC Porto and won the Cup of Portugal. All with great difficulties, because at that time is that one could speak of the system and was difficult to coach Sporting. It was very hard to play in those conditions, but that will be for a memoir that will write.
Got everything sorted out with the Portuguese Football Federation [PFF]?
Everything. With federation I have no pending problem, however. What happened [litigation FPF after they have terminated the contract with the coach at the end of the 2010 World Cup, for breach of trust] were due to interference of outside people who were involved and had influence with the Federation. The FPF is my home, where I was born for football.
Still hurt by Cristiano Ronaldo who blamed you after elimination in the 2010 World Cup?
No, I’m absolutely detached and indifferent. Neither he nor I owe nothing to each other. I was his coach and friend on and off the field. A decision to transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid was taken at my house in Lisbon, in my living room, next to my family. Asked Ferguson to come to Portugal to resolve peacefully the impasse in the negotiations. I felt it was my duty as a friend and coach and do not regret it. Now if Cristiano, at some point in his life, he should misunderstand me act that way, I have to respect. Does not make me to do anything against him, but I still think it was not a fit, adjusted and suited for his position as the Captain of national team to behave as such. Honestly, I did not like and it would be hypocritical if I said otherwise. He probably understood that it was what I deserved at the time. Only he can tell, never had contacts with him.
The rout of the Netherlands to Spain (5-1) meant the burial of tiki-taka?
I hope that was not the end of the concept of football that charmed and captivated the world. It may not be over. Like all things in life, no style of football can stand for ever tomorrow, the tiki-taka may evolve to another level. These setbacks are breaks in the success and Spain will have to learn to regenerate a superior platform. Ever felt were necessary adjustments since Confederation Cup [in 2013, when Spain was defeated by Brazil in the final, 3-0]. My life experience in football leads me to contradict the maxim that advises not to tinker with the team that wins. This is one of the biggest deceptions that settled. I think exactly the opposite: when it is on top of a style of play, must move, but without changing the principles. Evolve is a factor of human nature and society.
what do you think of the standard of the Portuguese national team [the interview was taken before the match with Germany in Salvador]?
I liked the warm-up games. The team is solid, confident and above all have a great virtue: so many players, principal or alternate, know their function and their role on the field. But the story of the world’s great teams is always taken great players and a star. By this I mean that Portugal cannot think of having success with the “no” Cristiano Ronaldo. Whether playing as played with Spain in the 1/8th finals [in which Portugal was eliminated 1-0], where did a sprint or a dribble, will be more complicated. Portugal to get far in Brazil, we need the best version of Ronaldo. Only he can make a difference, but if you display as in South Africa we will have less chances. I hope this injury does not affect his performance.
Who do you see as the big favorites for the title?
In the end, the “dinosaurs” will move on in the competition and should go far. Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil and Argentina are the leading candidates and then appears an outsider. I hope that in the first line, is Portugal, but can also be an African team or Belgium. [/column]
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