Carlos Queiroz , the Portuguese coach of Team Melli , discussed the plans for the to the crucial World Cup Qualifying match against Lebanon in Beirut. In an interview , Queiroz also talked about several other issues including the training camp in Hungary . Tunisia match , participation in WAFF and the friendly match with Jordan. In a remarkable quote , he admitted that technical merits are not always the catalyst for player selection in Team Melli but there are administrative issues as well.
Q) Kindly explain the latest status with Team Melli in preparation for the Lebanon game?
A) We had laid down the plan for the match against Lebanon including training camps. All the items have been carried out according to that plan. The team will meet up at 17:00 on 29 of August in National Training Academy and 18:00 on that day we will start our training. The next day at 5:00 am we will leave to Jordan and we will train there until September 10. On September 7 we will have our friendly with Jordan and after September 10 we will travel to Lebanon. I have analyzed the league games & players, the Lebanese players as well. I will go also attend the Lebanon vs. Australia to closely gather data and check on the opponent.
Q) Are you satisfied by your new players? (The ones who played in the Tunisia match)
A) Yes I am satisfied and I have to say Maziar Zare did exactly what I have expected of him when he played in a new role in the center back position. I have full trust in him to be a reliable option. Omid Nazari played his first game and showed a good confidence and performed reasonably well.
Q) What about About Goochinejad?
A) Reza was available for us in the Hungary camp. He was well prepared and applied himself quite well. I was prepared to give him his first test against Tunisia. I must say that I was quite disappointed to find out on the day of the match against Tunisia that his documents were not complete. I am currently pursuing this matter personally and in constant communication with IFF President to sort his issue in order not to repeat such problems in future.
Q) What was the issues with players that failed to join the camp in Hungary (Mohsen Forouzan and Haghighi) ?
A) As many fans are aware and has been announced in some websites , unfortunately both players and three other administration and support staff , due to some administration issues , were denied a visa and could not travel with us e camp
list of players does not fully reflect the technical views of the coaching team.
Q) Recently , there has been some criticism with the list of invited players. There were some players who performed quite well in the league but where not given a fair chance , what is your views on such claims?
A) I think some of the comments are reasonable and fair. But unfortunately sometimes the people need to know the list of players does not fully reflect the technical views of the coaching team. When we were initially asked to name the squad, the league has not started yet! BUT, we had to give such a list two weeks ahead of commencement of the competitions. Everyone knows that we are restricted by and have to consider administrative issues and not totally base our selection on technical merits.This recent Training camp in Hungary was an example. The Hungarian Embassy required a minimum of two week for visa application. What I can assure you of, though , is that 95% of the players that I wanted were actually in the camp.
Q) Were you satisfied from the camp and the match against Tunisia?
A) Very satisfied . My only disappointment was the result of the match which did not reflect our form and superiority in that match. We deserved to win.
Q) Despite your clarification , there are still criticism that some key players are missing from your squad.
A) We must respect those viewpoints, because in football there are so many varying opinions. But . some of those criticism were about players that were not able to get a visa on time for the camp, while other viewpoints were not creditable enough to be worthy of a response from us.
Q) Can you elaborate on your answer ?
A) More precisely? No , but right to the point , I can tell you that many experts in Iran’s football say things that shocks me. They talk about modern tactics and game plans why themselves do not know the Team Mell players positions. To give you an example, I will explain more about it later for those who don’t understand what I’m saying.
WAFF would be an ideal opportunity for us.
Q) Have you made any plans for the WAFF tournament yet?
A) Yes after my discussions with Kaffashian , we came up with a decision to have our strongest lineup for this competition , taking into consideration two main issues: .
1) We will coordinate with the League clubs coaches to ensure minimal disruption to the league program and those teams training plans during this competition.
2) Despite selecting our strongest squad, we wish to give the opportunity for Team Melli players who have not been able to get much playing time. This would be an ideal opportunity for us.
Q) What is your opinion about the Hazfi Cup?
A) The Head of IFF (Kaffashian) has coordinated a meeting between the league commission and Team Melli department at which the issue of League program and Cup competition was discussed . The objective was to minimize the pressure of the matches on Team Mell preparation. The League commission declared that they will not be able to reduce the team numbers , however, and exceptional for one season , it was announced that the Hazfi Cup can be dispensed with. That was my recollection from that
Q) What was your personal opinion on this subject?
A) I don’t like to be quoted in the media on such matters. If I say anything it will probably be misquoted and further misunderstanding will be created.
We can make it to Brazil if we work hard at it
Q) What is your general opinion about TM since you have been coaching?
A) Up until now we have had 18 games where 10 games we have won, 6 ties, and 1 loss. 40 goals scored, 10 goals conceded. Based on these results I believe that our performance could have been better. I have to say our performances against Qatar and Tunisia could have been much better but other than that I am satisfied with my team’s performance.
A) Now that we are in the second round of qualifications what is your view on us qualifying to the world cup?
Q) Let us not lie to ourselves and pretend that we will easily qualify. Our path to the world cup is a long one and we will experience some difficulties on our way as well as some sweet moments. The others will be facing similar difficulties as us. I will emphasize though that WE , and I stress on the word “We” meaning a collective effort by the League clubs, coaches, etc. can make it to Brazil if we work hard at it.