Tag: Andranik Teymoirian

Andranik Teymourian Departs Iran Coaching Staff Ahead of Asian Cup Preparations

Andranik Teymourian has parted ways with the Iranian national football team and will no longer serve as a coach or assistant to Amir Ghalenoei. He had been appointed to Ghalenoei's staff in April 2023. The reason for his departure has not yet been disclosed, according to report from ISNA.

His exit comes at a delicate moment: the team has just begun its first preparation camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and is scheduled to play two friendly matches, against Uzbekistan and Russia.

Teymourian's departure follows rumors of differences of opinion between him and Ghalenoei. There has also been speculation that Ghalenoei sidelined both Rezaei and Teymourian—two figures with extensive experience of European football—in favor of insisting on his own tactics and game plans.

This is not the first time Ghalenoei has lost a staff member unexpectedly. Shortly before the World Cup, his Italian assistant also left his post, though that departure was attributed to a career opportunity to manage a team in Italy's Serie B.

Teymourian was a popular figure within Team Melli, respected by both the players and the rest of the technical staff.

Teymourian discusses Team Melli preperations.

National team coach Andranik Teymourian has emphasized that the upcoming training camp in Turkey will be a vital phase for refining the squad’s weaknesses ahead of the World Cup, with the preliminary player list set to be announced within days.

Speaking to ISNA, Teymourian detailed how the Turkey camp is designed to be the final piece in the team’s tactical preparation. “The technical staff monitored the players and designed exercises for them based on their physical conditions,” he said. “The players had a few good weeks of training, and with Mr. Ghalenoei’s guidance, it was decided to hold intra-squad matches because the Premier League hasn’t started. But Turkey is where everything must come together.”

He confirmed that the initial squad list will be unveiled shortly, noting that a few players are likely to miss the crucial gathering. “The preliminary list will be announced in the next one to two days. I think there are a few people who will not accompany us in the Turkish camp—that decision rests with Mr. Ghalenoei’s perspective.”

Teymourian stressed that the camp is intended to transform the team’s remaining flaws into strengths. “We did very well in defense, midfield, and attack phases, but turning weaknesses into strengths takes time. I hope this process will be fully completed during our time in Turkey, so we can attend the World Cup fully prepared. I want all our players available there so we can maximize every session.”

Regarding the friendly schedule leading into the camp, Teymourian explained that two matches were canceled at the last minute, but a confirmed game against Gambia will serve as a key test. “There has also been some talk about a match with Puerto Rico,” he added.

Looking beyond the training camp to the World Cup itself, the coach voiced strong optimism. “Everyone’s wish is for the national team to advance to the higher stages of the World Cup. Iran has a real chance to do so, and the work we put in now in Turkey will be the foundation for that.”

On the Asian Cup, he remained focused on the immediate task. “We had a very good draw for the Asian Cup, but it is too early to discuss it. Our priority now is the World Cup. We first need a good result in the World Cup, and then we can talk about the Asian Cup. After the World Cup, newer players will be added, though we already have a strong blend of youth and experience.”

Italian Coach Antonio Gagliardi Abruptly Terminates Iran Contract, Returns to Europe

TEHRAN – In a surprising turn of events just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Antonio Gagliardi, the Italian assistant coach of the Iran national football team, has unilaterally broken his contract with the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) and returned to his home country with immediate effect, multiple sources confirm.

Gagliardi, born 11 August 1983, was appointed in November 2025 as a key tactical lieutenant to head coach Amir Ghalenoei. His departure, described by insiders as sudden and unexpected, leaves a significant void in Team Melli’s technical staff during a critical phase of World Cup preparation.

A Decorated European Pedigree

Before his stint in Iran, Gagliardi built a formidable reputation in European football. He previously served as a match analyst and assistant coach for the Italy national team, playing an instrumental behind-the-scenes role in the Azzurri’s triumphant UEFA Euro 2020 campaign. His analytical expertise and experience at the highest levels of the international game were seen as a major coup for Iranian football.

Why Tehran? The 2026 World Cup Ambition

When Ghalenoei secured Gagliardi’s services in late 2025, the move was hailed as a strategic masterstroke. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the Iranian federation sought to inject modern European tactical methodology into Team Melli. Ghalenoei publicly expressed hope that Gagliardi’s experience would “enhance Iran’s chances and add significant value to the team’s tactics and preparation,” particularly in set-piece routines and in-game adaptability against top-tier opponents.

The Break: Why Now?

While the FFIRI has yet to release an official statement, reports from Italian football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio’s network suggest that Gagliardi’s decision was prompted by a flurry of interest from Serie B clubs. According to these sources, several second-division Italian sides have offered Gagliardi the opportunity to become their head coach—a promotion from his current assistant role.

The allure of a top job in his home country, combined with reported personal and professional adjustment challenges in Iran, appears to have accelerated his decision to unilaterally terminate the agreement.

Alin Dinka, Romanian goalkeepers' coach.

What’s Next for Team Melli?

Despite this high-profile exit, the Iranian federation is moving to ensure continuity. The existing support structure for head coach Amir Ghalenoei remains in place. Team Melli’s coaching assistance will continue under the guidance of a diverse and experienced team, including:

  • Andranik Teymourian – The former Esteghlal and Bolton Wanderers midfielder, known for his leadership and tactical intelligence.
  • Rahman Rezaei – The ex-Messina and Livorno defender, who brings a wealth of Serie A defensive experience.
  • Alin Dinka : The Romanian goalkeepers coach, who previously worked for Tractor in the same capacity.
  • Saeed Alhoei – A rising figure within Iran’s coaching circles.
  • Homan Afazeli – The team’s analyst, who will now likely absorb many of the responsibilities previously held by Gagliardi.

Official Silence and Potential Fallout

As of press time, the FFIRI has neither confirmed nor denied the Italian’s departure. Legal experts note that a unilateral breach of contract could lead to financial penalties or a dispute referred to FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC). However, given Gagliardi’s swift return to Europe and reported job offers, it appears the 43-year-old is willing to accept those consequences in pursuit of a head coaching role.

For Iran, the timing is far from ideal. With the 2026 World Cup draw potentially just weeks away, Ghalenoei must now rapidly recalibrate his technical team, proving once again that off-field turbulence remains an all-too-familiar companion for Team Melli on the road to the world stage.

End of Article

Iran vs. Bosnia: Historic lookback

The “A” national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina will play a friendly match with Iran national team in Sarajevo on 12th November.

B&H and Iran have met 6 times so far. Five matches were friendly, while the only competitive match was played at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Iran is more successful in head-to-head matches, as it recorded 4 victories, while one match ended in a draw. The BH team achieved its only victory against Iran at the World Cup in Brazil.

These national teams met for the first time on 22nd July 2001 in Bihać, when they played a tie 2:2. Goals for Bosnia and Herzegovina were scored by Sead Seferović in the 7th, and Miroslav Dujmović in the 10th, while Sirous Dinmohammadi in the 16th and Iraj Fatemi in the 90th minute scored for Iran.

In the next 4 matches, Iran won. First at the Azadi Sports Stadium in Tehran on 10.08.2001 with the result 4:0 (Hasheminasab 5th and 90th, Karimi 65th, Daei 87th minute), then on 02.02.2005 at the same venue with 2:1 (Daei 38th, Borhani 74th – Elvir Bolić 18th minute).

The Azadi Sport Stadium hosted the fourth meeting between B&H and Iran on 31.05.2006. Iran won 5:2. The national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina had a 2:0 advantage in that match with goals scored by Zvjezdan Misimović in the 4th and Sergej Barbarez in the 17th minute, but the Iranians reversed the result through Mehrzad Madanchi (26th), Rahman Rezaei (45th), Vahid Hashemian 46th), Reza Enayatia (89th) and Rasoul Khatibi (90th minute).

The fifth match was played at the Asim Ferhatović-Hase Stadium in Sarajevo on 12.08.2009. And then Bosnia and Herzegovina took the lead with 2:0 with scored goals by Edin Džeko in the 52nd and 65th minute, but in the end, they were defeated with 2:3. Goals for Iran were scored by Masoud Shojaei in the 79th, Arash Borhani in the 86th, and  Andrenik 'Ando' Teymouriian in the 90th minute.

The last match of these teams was played on 25.06.2014 at the Fonte Nova Arena in El Salvador (Brazil) in the 3rd round of Group F of the World Cup. Bosnia and Herzegovina won 3:1, and the goals were scored by Edin Džeko in the 23rd, Miralem Pjanić in the 59th, and Avdija Vršajević in the 83rd minute. The only goal for Iran was scored by Reza Ghoochannejad in the 82nd minute.

The match will be played behind closed doors without the spectators at the Asim Ferhatović-Hase Stadium in Sarajevo on 12.11.2020.

 

Iran vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina Matches records

   
Venue Matches W D L Goals Goal Diff.
H 4 3 0 1 12 - 6 +6
A 2 1 1 0 5 - 4 +1
N 1 0 0 1 1 - 3 -2
Total 7 4 1 2 18 - 13 +5
 
Date Comp. H / A / N Final score Stadium Attendance
25.06.2014 FIFA World Cup / Group F N 1 - 3 Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador 48,011
12.08.2009 Friendly A 3 - 2 Asim Ferhatovic Hase Stadium - Sarajevo 20,000
31.05.2006 Friendly H 5 - 2 Azadi Stadium, Tehran 40,000
02.02.2005 Friendly H 2 - 1 Azadi Stadium, Tehran 10,000
10.08.2001 Others / LG CUP H 4 - 0 Azadi Stadium, Tehran 75,000
22.07.2001 Friendly A 2 - 2 Stadion NK Jedinstvo podno Boriæa , Bihac 5,000
12.09.1993 Friendly H 1 - 3 Azadi Stadium, Tehran

Disappointing draw for Team Melli.

Team Melli was unable to capitalize on its supremacy in the match against Turkmenistan and ended the match in a 1-1 draw in the first match of Group D of the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers. These rounds of matches are also considered as the qualifiers for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

The match started brightly for Team Melli taking full control. The goal came as early as the 4th minute when the Sardar Azmoun dribbled past two defenders before slotting the ball at an acute angle between the Turkmen Goalkeeper and the upright. Team Melli was 1-0 up and threatening to run riot.

The match continued its one way direction with chances one after other being missed by Iran. Amiri, Torabi , and Heydari all had good chances to score but the 2nd goal was not coming. Nikita Gorbunov standing firm in Turkmenistan goal.

Turkmenistan finally reached Iran goal after 16 minutes, however that first attempt exposed the shaky Haghighi who was not too confident against the shot.

Heydari then sent a perfect cross from the right, met majestically by the flying Azmoun who headed powerfully against crossbar with Nikita Gorbunov stranded, the ball was cleared on the rebound.

SHOCK GOAL

And then an amazing lapse of concentration in the back of Team Melli resulted in an unexpected equalizer for the host. The Turkmen midfielder passed Hajsafy with ease, then outrun Ando Teymourian to cross, with both Pejman Montazeri and Hossein Kanani just watching. Ruslan Mingazov came from behind to pip Ghafoori who was the nearest to the ball to slot an easily ball with Haghighi stranded on the other side of the goal, could not save. An undeserved equalizer for Turkmenistan against a pedestrian Iranian defense.

The manner that the goal was conceded must worry Queiroz. Certainly not acceptable for a team that is looking to reach the world cup.

The 1st half ended 1-1 in a half that Iran has controlled and should have been 2 or 3 goals up. However , there were gaps in the performance and some profligacy by players especially Masoud Shojaei. This player seems to be permanently fixed player although his form for the last few years has been abysmal with club and country. Queiroz obsession with this player is an enigma!

Nevertheless, even Queiroz , his ardent supporter must have realized that the pedestrian Shojaei was a liability and rightly replaced by Omid Ebrahimi in the second half.

SECOND HALF

The 2nd half of the match started in the same manner as the first. Iran had much of the ball and several half chances were created. Weak finishing prevented Team Melli regaining the command of this match.

Mehdi Taremi committed a totally unnecessary foul to get himself booked while he was on the pitch on for a few minutes only. Another player that might be a source of concern.

With the match continuing, Turkmenistan players grew more confident and more aggressive in this half as the result of scoring the goal and managing to stop Iran from scoring further.

Haghighi blunder nearly cost Team Melli when he fumbled the ball after a mild shot, Kanani cleared the rebound.

Ruslan Mingazov came close for the hosts with a thunderous shot that beat Haghighi but also was wide of the upright.

In the last quarter of the match, Team Melli continued pressing using the good old crosses, which seemed to be the only option. Several crosses ended up with Azmoun and Taremi who missed the target by small margins.

This tactics of crosses was the result of the bad pitch that did not aid playing on the floor and also due to the parking the bus of Turkmenistan. The only shortcoming was all the crosses came from the right side as Team Melli had little options from the left, something that Queiroz must be worried about.

And then the Turkmen players started time wasting as early as the 70th minute!

The onslaught by Team Melli continued right to the end without a result. Alarmingly the only shot on target from distance came right at the end of the match when Ando released a ferocious shot in 88th minute. Gorbunov only parried the ball then cleared by the defense.

 At the end, it was a disappointing result for Team Melli. This team is definitely work in progress, There are obvious shortcomings one of which is the acute shortage of creative players. The midfield is simply short of idea and skills to feed the forwards.

Team Melli continued its daily practice sessions in Sydney under head coach Carlos Queiroz. Part of the training was allocated for tactical work and part on building the physical side of the team players. Iraq match is also on the horizon in 3 days’ time and a good result in that match is essential in boosting the morale of Team Melli players who have not been blessed with good news in the last few months. Queiroz briefed the players before the start and then Javad Nekounam had a few words to say beginning with relaying the good wishes of all players to the Christian members of the squad , Queiroz, Oceano , Dan Gasper . Mico , Diego and the two Iranians Andranik Teymoirian & Markar Aghajanian  on the occasions of the new year. The squad then congratulated Sardar Azmoun on his 20th birthday. Sydney weather on the day of the practice was rather warmer than usual which suited Queiroz. Meanwhile the jersey numbers for the team has been allocated.  
# Name
1 HAGHIGHI, Alireza
2 HEYDARI, Khosrow
3 HAJSAFY, Ehsan
4 HOSSEINI, Jalal
5 SADEGHI, AmirHossein
6 NEKOUNAM, Javad
7 SHOJAEI, Masoud
8 POURALIGANJI, Morteza
9 EBRAHIMI, Omid
10 ANSARIFARD, Karim
11 GHAFOORI, Vourya
12 FOROUZAN, Mohsen
13 AMIRI, Vahid
14 TEYMOURIAN, Andranik
15 REZAEIAN, Ramin
16 GHOOCHANNEJAD, Reza
17 RAFIEI, Sourosh
18 JAHANBAKHSH, AliReza
19 BEIGZADEH, Hashim
20 AZMOUN, Sardar
21 DEJAGAH, Ashkan
22 BIRANVAND, Alireza
23 POOLADI, Mehrdad