Tag: Belgium

Mixed fortunes of Kaveh Rezaei and Alireza Jahanbakhsh

Kaveh Rezaei has returned back to scoring in the Belgian First Division League

The Iranian striker’s return to the scoring process was long due. on Saturday night in Sporting Charleroi’s 14th league match of the season at Mechelen’a AFAS Stadion, Rezaei scored the opener in the 11th minute for Charleroi. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. It was the second match in a row that Kaveh Rezai finds the net.
Last week, the former Team Melli player scored the winner for his team away at KV Oostende with a late goal.


The Belgian media reports mentioned Kaveh Rezaei’s scoring and brilliance had a clear message that the Iranian player was able to return to the scoring process again with confidence. Rezaei did not have a good time at Club Brugge due to loss of form after a prolonged injury. Although he was picked up for several matches and showed good touches, he was unable to meet expectations at the champions. However, when he returned to Sporting Charleroi’s, he was able to regain some of the confidence he lost and improve his form to show the coach that he is a goal scorer with a lot of confidence.
Karim Belhocine, the French coach of Charleroi is now counting on Rezaei to reach his peak days, marking the end of the torrid days for Kaveh.
Charleroi is currently ranked sixth in the standings with 22 points from 13 matches.

 

One Iranian player who has not experienced the same joy and success is Alireza Jahanbakhsh. Brighton’s most expensive player who topped the scoring chart only two years ago in the Dutch league has failed to score any goal last season and is still out of sight in Brighton’s matches. Once again, Jahanbakhsh did not even make the bench in last Saturday’s Brighton 2-0 win at home against Norwich.

With the new coach Graham Potter, Jahanbakhsh role has been relegated to the bench or under 23 team. This season 2019/2020 The Team Melli winger has managed to be on the bench for 3 matches out of 11 Brighton has played in the Premier Leauge.
Jahanbakhsh who desperately needs a confidence booster has been left out of Team Melli’s last squad and will probably be out again against Iraq.  Marc Wilmots, desperate himself for a good result against Iraq on the 14th of November, will be looking at players who are at their best as he has no room for trials and sentiments.

 

Iran’s talent excites Wilmots

the-afc.com

Team Melli head coach Marc Wilmots is more than hopeful of Team Melli’s future after what he has seen in the past month.

The 50-year-old Belgian coach took over the reins from Carlos Queiroz early in June and enjoyed a good start to his tenure as Iran beat Syria 5-0 in an international friendly, before playing to a 1-1 draw against the Korea Republic less than a week later.

Tasked with ensuring Team Melli make their sixth appearance in the FIFA World Cup, Wilmots is confident his side can rise up to the challenge en route to Qatar 2022, praising numerous his players with Persepolis’ goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand and youngsters Younes Delfi and Allahyar Sayyadmanesh coming in for special mention.

“There is a lot of talent here,” Wilmots said in an interview with Sporz.be.

“I have a goalkeeper in my team who could play at any top club in Europe. I also let an 18-year-old attacker make his debut. He had already scored twice against Germany in the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup. In the match against Syria, Allahyar Sayyadmanesh came off the bench and immediately scored a goal.

“And I am convinced that there are so many talents and we must find them. As a national coach, I like to look for different ingredients to make a delicious soup.”

Wilmots is clear on his approach of the game for Iran, which is a more aggressive and attacking style of football, emphasizing that the budding players will need to grow and adapt that playstyle as they climb through the ranks.

“And the question remains: How we want to play? Of course, you can’t change everything in three training sessions, but in the friendly match against Korea Republic we created 16 scoring chances. Iran were not afraid of playing attacking football.

“The younger players need to adopt the new philosophy.”

Iran, Asia’s top-ranked team, will identify their opponents for Round Two of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 & AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Qualification in the draw on July 17.

The former Belgium boss, who was also a Red Devil international, led the team to a quarter-final finish in the UEFA Euro 2016, and hopes that he can achieve a historic feat with Team Melli.

“With the Red Devils I always thought we were going to win that tournament. Now, that is different. But you can also surprise with Iran.

“Iran has not advanced to a World Cup knockout stage so far and it will be a good challenge for me.”

Photos: AFP

Wilmots is not another Queiroz, he will work from Tehran.

Marc Wilmots signed a contract with the Iranian federation on Wednesday, The former coach of Belgium and Côte d’Ivoire will arrive in Tehran by coming Wednesday, if not a day or two before, to start working immediately in preparing Team Melli for two friendly matches.

Before the signing of the deal with Wilmots, and on the day that Mahdi Taj was in negotiation with the Belgian coach, the media claimed that Wilmots did not intend to settle in Iran, and would return to Belgium after the end of each Team Melli match. However, Mehdi Taj did not confirm or deny these speculations after the signing of the contract.

According to Abdul Kazem Taleghani, a member of the executive committee of FFIRI, in response to several questions by reporters about Wilmots being a “Suitcase Coach”?  He said that Wilmots being a flying suitcase coach is all false. “This coach will be based in Iran and can bring his family to our country if he wishes to. He continued “Wilmots is an accomplished coach. If we manage to pay his dues on time, he will undoubtedly deliver the goods and will be an asset to the national teams.”

Taleghani, in response to question regarding the subject of regular payments to the coach in hard currency, said “details of this issue should be directed to Mr. Mahdi Taj. Anyway, it must be followed up and the federation’s president has surely has a solution.”

The executive board member stated: “According to the details of contract with Wilmots, he is planning to do great work, whether in the national team or in the age group teams. Our priorities are not only the qualification for the World Cup 2022, but also preparing youthful team and the monitoring of lower age group teams which are under Wilmots supervision.

Taleghani added “Our demands from this coach are far higher than the previous one. With the grace of God, Wilmots will arrive on Monday or Tuesday, and start his work.”

One of the ambiguities of Wilmots initial work is the list of invited players for the two international friendly matches against Syria and South Korea. Taleghani’s answer to the question of whether the next squad will be named by Wilmots, or will they invite other players? He said: “I have no idea about this, and you have to ask Mr. Taj on that.”

Taleghani also denied knowledge on the number and names of the Iranian assistants to Marc Wilmots.

Marc Wilmots assistants identified.

Marc Wilmots will be accompanied by two assistant coaches and a video analyst in his task as head coach of Team Melli.

According to Het Nieuwsblad, Manu (Manuel) Ferrera the Spanish born coach of Gent youth team and Gunther Verjans, who works with Standard Liege will be Wilmots assistants in Team Melli.

Herman De Landtsheer, could become his video analyst.

Wilmots should be arriving in Tehran in the next few days to start his duty after signing the contract in Brussels on Wednesday. He will be replacing the already departed Carlos Queiroz whose 8 years stint with Team Melli included two successive qualifications to the FIFA World Cup.

Wilmots first assignment is to prepare for the upcoming friendlies in the next FIFA Day with matches against Syria and South Korea 6th & 11th of June.

The latest new indicate that Wilmots will arrive in Tehran on the 28th of May.

Welmots arrives in Tehran

Marc Welmots, the Belgian coach has arrived in Tehran for negotiation and possible signing of a two year contract to coach Team Melli.

After his arrival. Welmots was taken for a tour to the National Football Teams Training Center for inspection of the current facilities and training grounds. Welmots also planted a tree to mark his visit. He was accompanied by Saket and several FFIRI officials. Welmots then proceeded to the HQ of the federation where he was met by Mehdi Taj, the President of FFIRI. After a short tour of the building in Seoul street, the two sides sat for negotiations and discussion of the contract.

Until the writing of this report, there was no indication if the contract has been agreed and signed by either parties.

According to AFP news agency Marc Wilmots’ contract is for $ 1.2 million per annum to coach Iran’s Team Melli. AFP reported on the selection of Wilmots as the new head coach of the Iranian national team. “The former head coach of the Belgian national team has been replaced by Carlos Queiroz , according to official sources. Wilmots arrived in Tehran on Wednesday morning. The contract with the former head of Belgium Team was approved by the head of the Football Federation of Iran. ” “The Iranian television also broadcast the images of Welmot’s presence at Tehran’s international airport, AFP reported. Wilmots contract is scheduled to be signed by noon today. The contract will be until the end of the World Cup in 2022, and his salary will be $ 1,200,000 a year. “

Marc Wilmots to arrive in Tehran on Wednesday

TEHRAN – An unnamed source in the Iranian football federation FFIRI has mentioned that ex-Belgium coach Marc Wilmots will arrive in Tehran on Wednesday to finalize his deal.

FFIRI will reportedly pay the 50-year-old coach and his two Belgian assistants $1,500,000 per year.

The Iranian federation also wants former Team Melli captain Javad Nekounam to be a member of the coaching staff.

Parliament Member Mohammad Reza Tabesh has also said Wilmots will most likely pen a contract with the Iranian federation. His source of information is unverified.

The Belgian led his homeland to the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016, but was sacked after that tournament in France.

Wilmots, who is also on the Scotland’s list of candidates, is set to replace Carlos Querioz in Team Melli.

He has been without a team after leaving the Ivory Coast coaching position in November 2017.

Wilmots will start his work as Iran coach in two friendly matches against Syria and South Korea, scheduled for June 6 and 11.

Belgian Marc Wilmots is close to signing as Team Melli coach.

If reports coming out of Belgium are to be believed, former Belgium national team manager Marc Wilmots is close to becoming the new head coach of Iran.

After months of searching for a new head coach in the aftermath of Carlos Queiroz’s departure and the blanket of secrecy imposed by the FFIRI on the negotiations with potential coaches, the news has leaked from Belgian sources on the impending appointment.

The former Belgium international, who served as the manager of the national team between 2012 and 2016, coached the Belgian Red Devils at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil as well as the 2016 UEFA Euro in France.

According to Belgian news outlet RTBF.be, Mehdi Taj, the president of the Football Federation of Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), traveled to Turkey a few days ago to meet the agents of the Belgian coach who was last attached with African side Cote D’Ivoire.

Marc Wilmots is currently out of a job however according to the English tabloid “The Sun”, the former Belgium Head coach is in the frame to be Scotland boss.

SunSport reported on 30th April that the former Belgium manager is aware of the SFA’s interest in him and would be keen to talk to Scottish federation about replacing Alex McLeish as Scotland manager.

A Milestone for Younis Delphi

The young footballer from Khuzestan set a new record in Iranian Football. Younis Delphi, born in Shush, was a member of the Esteghlal Khuzestan Club and has featured in the 2016/17 season by playing five matches for the Full team.

During two and a half years, Delphi was considered by many as one of the greatest talents in the League, whose brilliant performance has also led to his invitation to Omid Team (Iran U23) despite his young age. The fledgling and upcoming striker scored 7 goals in the previous season in 24 Premier League matches and added the FIFA U17 World Cup, held in India to his resume.

That tournament attracted many European scouts looking for young talented players to recruit. A few months back there were discussion about Delphi transferring to the Dutch club, Eindhoven, but the opposition by his club Esteghlal Khuzestan put an end to that transfer as the club would not release him at the start of the new season.

Younis Delphi, however, eventually became a legionnaire in the winter transfer window when he signed a contract to join Sporting Charleroi of Belgium. This club which is owned by an Iranian has attracted several Iranian players in the last couple of seasons such as Kaveh Rezaei, Ali Gholizadeh and Omid Noorafkan

Last Sunday evening Sporting Charleroi hosted Fourth placed KV Oostende at Stade du Pays de Charleroi. Younis Delphi, was included in the squad for the first time since his transfer. In the absence of the other Iranian player, Ali Gholizadeh who is suffering from a leg injury, Delphi made his debut. With the presence of Younis Delphi in the Charleroi team, he becomes the youngest legionnaire in Iranian football history with 18 years and 129 days. It is a good age to start gaining experience of European football. The match between Charleroi and Oostende ended 1 -1. Delphi played for 64 minutes and was substituted midway through the second half.

Saeid Ezatolahi finally expected to arrive at Reading

From Rostov to Reading, via Belgium, Uzbekistan and France.

The deal to bring Saeid Ezatolahi to Reading has been far from straightforward, but the Iranian international is set to finally arrive in England this weekend.

The 21-year-old completed his season-long loan move from Russian outfit FC Rostov on August 31, the final day of the summer transfer window.

But he is yet to arrive at Hogwood with all previous stages of the deal completed elsewhere across the globe.

“He hasn’t reported yet,” explained Reading FC boss Paul Clement.

“As we speak (on Thursday afternoon), he is in Paris.

“He was on international duty with Iran and they played Uzbekistan. He played a good, significant amount of the game and he set up the goal, so that’s good.

“He is in Paris to get his visa. Everything is in place now, the visa has been approved and we’re just waiting for it to be collected. Ezatolahi has spent a few days in Paris
“So he’s got to go back to the office to collect it, that’ll probably be on Friday and then he’s free to travel to the UK.”

“We expect him to arrive here either Friday or Saturday. He’ll do some light training on Saturday, on Sunday the players are off and he’ll start fully with everybody on Monday.”

Clement added: “After the World Cup he had some rest time. He did go back to Russia, Rostov for a couple of weeks where he was training and then there has been a period where he hasn’t been there and he’s been back in Iran.

“He lost a little bit of time but fortunately during this period where he was with the national team, clearly he’s been training and he’s already played a game.

“So he might need a bit of time, but I don’t think he’ll need that much. I’ll assess it as soon as I see him.”

Paul Clement insists there are no problems behind the scenes at Reading

The announcement of Ezatolahi’s arrival came as a surprise to many, with the deal accelerated during the final week of the transfer window.

Reading had been chasing Swansea City midfielder Jay Fulton on a permanent deal, but when that fell through they moved to snap up Ezatolahi on loan.

But Clement hopes that could turn into a longer term deal.

“I hope he has a long future here,” said the Reading manager.

“The situation with the deal at the moment is he’s on a loan for the season because when we signed him, it was obviously outside the period where we could do a permanent, so it’s on an initial loan.

Paul Clement is hoping Ezatolahi will be here for longer than one season
“Hopefully he does really well and it’s a long-term thing.

“It was brought to my attention late in the window. We had a week. During that week it was about gathering as much intelligence as possible, speaking to people he had worked with.

“A really complicated deal.”       – Paul Clement

“Fortunately I was able to have a good conversation with Carlos Queiroz (Iran’s national team boss), who spoke really highly of him.

“Then I spoke to the player and got a really good feel about him and we’re really pleased to get it over the line.

“It was a little bit complicated. You’re dealing with Russia, you’ve got the situation where he’s Iranian so you’ve got the visa issues, international clearance and those type of things.

“He had his medical in Belgium at Roeselare because it was difficult to get him here to do the medical because of the visa, but in the end we got it over the line.

“A really complicated deal.”

“We’re looking forward to working with him. I think he’s going to be a good addition to us.”

Iran maintains Top FIFA ranking in Asia.

Iran climbed two places up in the latest FIFA ranking issued today.

After the European tour where Team Melli defeated Chile and then lost to Sweden , Iran’s ranking in the table improved to maintain the top position in Asian followed by Japan and South Korea. Australia , The AFC Asian Cup holder was ranked 4th.

At world level , World Cup holder Germany continues at the top followed by Argentina , Belgium , Colombia and Brazil.

 

AFC Teams Ranking

Rank Total Points Previous Points +/-   Avg. AVG WGT Avg. AVG WGT Avg. AVG WGT Avg.  AVG WGT
40 IRNIran 689(689.43) 692 2 336.87 336.87 439.32 219.66 250.48 75.14 288.80 57.76
50 JPNJapan 614(613.94) 617 3 335.96 335.96 213.61 106.81 392.56 117.77 267.01 53.40
57 KORKorea Republic 575(575.44) 594 -1 312.46 312.46 217.75 108.87 267.84 80.35 368.81 73.76
63 AUSAustralia 531(531.08) 549 2 272.17 272.17 240.62 120.31 192.79 57.84 403.82 80.76
68 UAEUnited Arab Emirates 501(500.59) 523 1 242.20 242.20 291.77 145.88 277.90 83.37 145.70 29.14
73 UZBUzbekistan 476(476.22) 483 -1 181.07 181.07 303.39 151.69 277.53 83.26 301.00 60.20
82 CHNChina PR 408(408.01) 423 1 245.50 245.50 132.40 66.20 131.43 39.43 284.41 56.88
86 IRQIraq 385(384.76) 353 11 218.68 218.68 119.25 59.63 150.88 45.26 305.95 61.19
95 KSASaudi Arabia 349(349.39) 339 4 118.20 118.20 297.06 148.53 149.41 44.82 189.20 37.84
97 OMAOman 341(341.11) 356 -1 124.70 124.70 242.23 121.11 173.89 52.17 215.63 43.13
99 QATQatar 337(336.65) 300 10 171.62 171.62 160.54 80.27 153.89 46.17 192.94 38.59
103 JORJordan 316(316.20) 326 -2 61.72 61.72 272.08 136.04 241.77 72.53 229.57 45.91
108 BHRBahrain 299(298.85) 319 -4 147.44 147.44 151.92 75.96 120.79 36.24 196.05 39.21
125 VIEVietnam 229(228.83) 220 5 96.12 96.12 119.71 59.86 61.37 18.41 272.19 54.44
126 SYRSyria 225(224.74) 141 26 131.58 131.58 85.69 42.85 86.70 26.01 121.51 24.30