Carlos Queiroz stated that he will maintain silence against the allegations by the Under-secretary of The Ministry of Youth and Sport in which Sajjadi accused Team Melli coach of creating a commotion and dramatizing. In a brief statement to the press, Queiroz said “For me , it is difficult to fight on two fronts. One front is the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain and the other front is the domestic and internal elements that I have to fire fight.” according to Mehr news agency sport reporter.

“UAE released 10 military service players for their team.”

Queiroz spoke to reporters on Thursday and touched on several subject of concern. Commenting on the players caught in the military service dilemma, the Portuguese coach was concerned about the unavailability of key players. “Unfortunately, our situation is not good with the players in Military service. The UAE , one of our main rivals, has 10 players on Military Service. However, the authorities there realize the important mission of these footballers in Asian Cup and were given exemption to allow them to continue with the national team. No such favors for Iranian players on a similar mission.”

“In a question related to Esteghlal club and the allegation by the coach and managers of the club that Esteghlal players have been drained in Team Melli and their performance has suffered in the league with the team , Queiroz refuted  such allegations . “Why are you asking me about Esteghlal? I am in no position to take about such subject. Like the last four years that I have been here, I refuse to comment or interfere in clubs affairs. Their internal problems have got nothing to do with me. I will only comment about players when they are in active duty with Team Melli.”

 

“I will maintain silence.”

On Sajjadi’s comments, Queiroz claimed that he has not read or heard what Sajjadi has said about him. He went on a pip talk about pilots and surgeons responsibilities in his rationalization of doing a proper job of his. “I have not read Sajjadi’s comments but in life there are three methods to deal with such events. Smile, cry or maintain silence, I choose the last option.  

“We did not have money to pay for the airfare and hotel in Riyadh”

Asked about the recent Gulf Cup held in Riyadh in which all of Team Melli opponents were competing and an ideal opportunity for a close look at his opponents, Queiroz said “We did not have the money for the air fare and hotel, so we missed such a big opportunity to analyze those teams. Anyway, we have no choice but to focus on our own preparations now.

“I have to mention to you a fact that is giving me a headache. Some people think that I am preparing a team in my own backyard for a local competition. They think that Kaffashian and Queiroz are going on a party , they are forgetting that we have the responsibility of 70 million Iranians on our shoulders “

“Look at what our competitors have achieved.”

“Look at what the competitors in the same group have achieved so far and how they prepared their teams. How many training camps they have conducted and how many matches they played. Then compare it to ours. Uzbekistan has sent us an open invitation for a friendly match in Dubai until 12^th December but due to many reasons, we declined their invitation. Qatar has neutralized 7 new players. I have to tell you that this is not a stroll in the park. We are supposed to play in the Asian Cup.”

The beleaguered Team Melli coach said “all Iranians have confidence in this team and put a lot of hope in it. if I was indifferent to the national team I would not have involved myself in program by entering this game. My plan is for the best representation of and preparation for the Asian Cup.   We want to go to Australia and achieve a result but only played two friendly preparations games, South Korea and Palestine. What are we talking about here!”.

 “We have oppositions within our own household”

“there was a great opportunity for us to improve our standard in the national team, on the other hand there are  those who want to take a stand against the Iranian national team. Some of these peoples have a name, the name of Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE. But some people present within the household. I do not know what they aim at. Let the national team players work in perfect environment with peace and tranquility prevailing in order to meet the demands of our fans and people.

 Doom and Gloom forecast.

There is no doubt that Queiroz has valid points when it comes to dealing with a federation that is always claiming about lack of money resulting is very poor preparation for the national team. There is very little doubt that any Team Melli coach working for the FFIRI under these circumstances is facing a demanding and stressful challenge. There is also not much doubt that there are many critics of the National Team coach, but that is no different to any country in the rest of the world and by this time Queiroz should very well be aware of it.

The buck stops here, however.

  Carlos Queiroz knew very well what he is against when he renewed his contract at an extensive paycheck, which is incidentally one of the reasons that the FFIRI is unable to meet its other demands that Queiroz is complaining about.

After the World Cup , Queiroz tore the Iranian federations and government officials apart with his claims and allegations of non-cooperation , lack of support lack of effective management and so on. He declared that he is not going back to Iran and the news was carried by all major news and sport agencies.

Yet, Carlos Queiroz , by hook or crock turned up in Tehran  after a substantial and damaging delay in signing , despite all his ill-talk about the football system in Iran !

To make the matters worse, both Queiroz and Kaffashian have publically declared that Team Melli’s priority is not the AFC Asian Cup 2015 but qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2018! That statement in itself, showed how far Carlos Queiroz is detached from the Iranian fans sentiments and aspirations.

Now by a miracle, the AFC Asian Cup is suddenly a priority and Queiroz is preaching the masses about its importance to the Iranian fans!

A further strange statement by Queiroz highlights the Portuguese coach difficulty in facing an acute situation.  Claiming that players’ problems at clubs are not his problems is highly unprofessional statement that has no place in modern human psychology of leadership. A player cannot switch from being horrible in a club one day to perfect with the national team the next. If he has a problem with the club, then it is a high possibility that he will carry that problem with him to Team Melli. It is a basic knowledge and understanding of human behavior. Queiroz should start caring.

It is quite easy to feel sympathetic to Queiroz plights as the situation in Iran’s football is not exactly ideal for preparing a title challenging team in the continent’s premiere competition. On the other hand, it is really difficult to vindicate him and absolve him from any responsibility either. Carlos Queiroz is accountable, morally and legally for his work regardless to all those adversities and hardships that he is complaining about.

By repeating these grievances, he is easily falling prey to Sajjadi’s allegation in which Queiroz feeling can be interpreted as “Crocodile’s tears.”