Six months to go for Team Melli’s first match in FIFA World Cup. The man who counts most at this stage of the game, the coach Senor Carlos Queiroz , is far from optimistic and has little words of encouragement for the passionate Persian fans of team Melli across the globe. Queiroz keeps reminding us not to count on his team chances of making an impact in Brazil. Highlights the problems he has been facing , financially , administratively and culturally that makes his task as mission impossible. No matter how the ardent fans of Team Melli would find his remarks, some would find it disparaging and gloomy, while some would condemn such remarks in these critical times, realistically speaking , the Portuguese coach is not far from asserting the facts and reflecting the status quo of Iranian football.
[quote cite=”Carlos Queiroz”]”This is our mission impossible once, twice and three times” [/quote]
“This is our mission impossible once, twice and three times,” the 60-year-old Queiroz told AFP in Tehran a few days ago. Words that are far from encouraging, uttered by a person who , in theory at least, should be inspirational , stimulating and preparing his troop for a real battle against the best of the world. True , no one would expect the likes of Teymourian , Hosseini or Ahmadi to stand a real chance against the might of Lionel Messi and his mates, but World Cup is a place where the world remembers the fighting spirits , bravery , defiance and honor as much as skills , artistry , wizards and beautiful goals. Iran can offer plenty of former if not much of the latter, but there seems to be a lose connection, a disparity a sense of loss before the first ball is kicked.
When Queiroz took over as coach, he arrived to find a national federation that was “lethargic, lacking ambition.” As he was quoted in the AFP report. This is only a tiny example of a plethora of complications facing Iran’s football management for decades. Acute lack of management & organizational skills, lopsided channeling of funds, rather than lack of it, and discrepancy between fans expectations and the management objectives are a few of the issues hindering the progress of football in the country. Poor talent management is definitely a major issue.
With so much natural talent, begging to be discovered and nurtured, it is a pity that somewhere along the line of development of footballers; many young players seem to lose their bearings and never reach their potentials. A prime example is Persepolis forward, Payam Sadeghian , perhaps the hottest talent in Iran’s football at present. A player who has an excellent talent, pace, intelligence and sublime vision. The 22 years old striker is, however, close to self-destruction because of acute lack of discipline on and off the field. Such talents, are carefully handled and treasured elsewhere, but it has not been the case in Iran. Sadeghian, who represented Iran at all age levels, has been disorderly and troublemaker, especially since his arrival at Persepolis. The fault, partially at least, is due to the failure of the system to handle and protect such talents.
But such setbacks have not prevented Team Melli from displaying some level of respectable football in its history. In fact the Iranians usually excel under pressure. There is no reason why World Cup 2014 should be any different. In his reign , Queiroz impact on the teams tactics has not been eye catching. Team Melli has played with a solid defensive strategy which is not too attractive to watch. Queiroz biggest impact has been his success in attracting players with dual nationality. Dejagah and Ghoochannejad who were instrumental in Team Melli’s qualification to the finals of the world cup, are in the team thanks to Queiroz’s efforts.
The more serious concerns are still lingering. Iran could end up in Brazil with the weakest preparation program of all the 32 teams. Lack of friendly games, shortage of funds, compressed local league season and other issues are still making it difficult for Queiroz. The fact that he is leaving by the end of July 2014, when his contract expires, does not inspire either as lack of motivation by the Portuguese coach could be an issue. What can be said six months before the kickoff , though , is that all is not too well with Team Melli but it is business as usual.
No one can remember an ideal preparation for Team Melli for major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup or the AFC Asian Cup, but that has never seemed to dilute the fighting spirit, enthusiasm and resolve of the Iranians.