Tag: Hossein Faraki

Hossein Faraki seems to be the lead candidate for Team Melli job.

With the withdrawal of Amir Ghalenoei and Mehdi Tarter, the exclusion of Yahya Golmohammadi from the initial list, and the outright rejection of the offer to coach Team Melli by Ali Daei, Hossein Faraki seems to be the leading candidate for the job.

Notwithstanding the two other candidates (Majidi & Nekounam) both of whom have discipline and stability issues in addition to lack of proper international experience required for the job, Faraki seems to tick all the boxes of FFIRI and most importantly to the authorities, being politically acceptable and loyal.

 In an interview with ISNA, Hossein Faraki acknowledged that his name was amongst several for the post of Team Melli head coach and said ” I was offered the chance for the job in a call made by FFIRI leadership. They sent me an invitation and asked me for a roadmap and plan for participating in the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Of course, there are other options and they specified a deadline for me to respond.”

He continued: “Anyway, it is the national team and it is where I played for many years and had coaching experience too. In the last one or two years, I have had proposals from several clubs, which I have not yet decided on. One of the reasons was the Corona issue, and after that, I realized that the place I want to go to, must have the right conditions and atmosphere to conduct my job. Maybe some clubs have problems and lack facilities, and I also wanted to be in a place where the conditions are available so that I can have an impact. I would like to do something for the national team if I can,”

The former coach of the national team added: “If I feel that something can be done, I will think about it. Many people would love to see me take the post and would love for this to happen to me and for me to get what I deserve. There are different opinions in this regard. Some agree and some disagree, but everyone is entitled to his opinions are it should be respected “

” So far I have not sent my program but I am in the process and will soon submit it to the federation. It will be sent by tomorrow and whatever the outcome will be, it will happen.”

“I don’t like to talk about speculation,” Farraki said about the selection of an Iranian or foreign coach for Team Melli. “Anyway, the decision maker is the Football Federation. Many of our coaches have potential and the desire of every coach is to lead the national team. We also need to motivate the Iranian coach. Foreign coaches have their own values, but under the current circumstances, it is better to give the Iranians the opportunity.

Faraki was born in Tehran on 22nd March 1957 and started his playing career with PAS Tehran from 1976 to 1992), He played for Team Melli  (22 caps/11 goals for Iran), and his coaching career included Esteghlal Tehran, Sepahan Isfahan, Persepolis Tehran

Hossein Faraki played for Team Melli in the first Iranian qualification for the World Cup in 1978. He also won third place in the AFC Asian Cup 1980 in Kuwait with the national team. Faraki served as assistant coach to Branko Ivankovic for three years. Faraki also has the experience of being the head coach of Iran’s Omid national team in 2004. He led Foolad Khuzestan to the League Title in 2012-2013. He also led the Sepahan Isfahan team to the title in 2013-2014, so within 2 years, he has led two different clubs to the championship titles in the Iran Premier Football League.

Amir Ghalenoei out of the race for Team Melli head coach job.

One of the main internal options for the leadership of Team Melli has withdrawn from the race.

According to news agency reports, Amir Ghalenoei, Hossein Faraki, Mehdi Tartar, Farhad Majidi, and Javad Nekounam were named as the final five internal options of the Football Federation to lead the national team. Among the candidates, only Amir Ghalenoei has prior experience in leading Team Melli. The former Esteghlal coach and current Gol Gohar Sirjan head coach was at the top of the list, however, Ghalenoei immediately announced his withdrawal.

 On his personal page, Ghalenoei announced his decision in an Instagram post story. The reasons behind his decision were not obvious except for mentioning that the timing was not right for him to accept such a move. Ghalenoei also had a veiled dig against the federation for omitting the names of the leading candidates for the Team Melli job, particularly Yahya Golmohammadi.

On the other hand, it is also reported that Mehdi Tartar has also withdrawn from the race which leaves Hossein Faraki, Mehdi Tartar, Farhad Majidi, and Javad Nekounam as the three choices. The latter has just abandoned his job as head coach of Foolad Khuzestan while still involved in the race for AFC Asian Champions League title. His petulant and highly unethical attitude makes Nekounam unworthy of coaching the National Team of Iran. His poor record in coaching and the controversies that seem to surround him in every match create unhealthy surroundings in Team Melli.

Farhad Majidi is no better than Nekounam either.

From that list, Hossein Faraki seems to be the only viable coach with experience and the right conduct for the job.

Meanwhile, the head of the football federation emphasized that we are in no rush to choose the head coach of the national team and said: “We are currently busy with holding league games and there is no possibility of forming a national team. We are thinking about both Iranian and foreign options and we have to choose the option of the head coach of the national team with special prudence and sensitivity (….) ”

A perennial failure figure in selecting a proper coach for Team Melli, Mehdi Taj is known for his authoritarian decision-making. He has always been prompted and guided by the government in form of the Minister of Sports. Therefore the appointment of the future Team Melli coach will be highly dependent on that person’s loyalty to the regime values, Islamic revolutions principles, and being an obedient servant, much more than his competency, experience, and skills in coaching.

The options for domestic coaches are quite narrow, while a foreign coach seems to be a remote possibility due to figures that the FFIRI cannot possibly afford to pay in addition to the crumbling of the Iranian currency against the dollar.

 

Farhad Majidi appointed as head coach of Omid Team

After a long and desperate search for a replacement for Zlatko Kranjcar, the FFIRI has finally selected Farhad Majidi as the head coach

The Iranian Football Federation was hoping to appoint a competent replacement to lead the Omid Team after ending the contract of the Croatian head coach Zlatko Krancjar. In the past few months, various options have been considered to coach the U23 team, from Amir Ghalanoei, Alireza Mansourian , Mehdi MahdaviKia, Javad Nekounam to  Hossein Faraki. But all of these coaches refused to accept the offer.

The federation was on the brink of singing Yahya GolMohammadi, but his club did not allow him to leave, as he was still under contract with Padidah. Mehdi Taj and Hamid Estili, the technical manager of Omid, eventually negotiated with Farhad Majidi, who was out of work, to be the new head coach. Estili confirmed the selection of Majidi in a statement to the media. The team must start preparation for the final rounds of AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020 which is also the qualifying round of the Olympics Games Men football competition as well as being the U23 Asian Championship. The final rounds will be played in a tournament style in Bangkok, Ciang Mai, Pathum Thani and Songkhala.

Farhad Majidi is the least experienced of all the other candidates who turned the job down. He has only a few games under his arm as a head coach of Esteghlal after he was given the temporary post at the club following the departure of the German coach Schaefer.

Thus the football federation continues its tendency to appoint raw and unproven coaches for the Omid U23 team and hoping to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Iran U23 qualified as one of the second best teams after hosting the qualifiers in Tehran and finishing second to Iraq in the group.

The tournament will start in January 2020 with 4 groups consisting of 4 teams. The first two of each group qualify for the quarter finals. Asia has 3 spots in the Olympic Games.  

The Draw

The 16 teams are drawn into four groups of four teams. The teams are seeded according to their performance in the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship final tournament and qualification, with the hosts Thailand automatically seeded and assigned to Position A1 in the draw.

Pot 1 Pot 2 Pot 3 Pot 4
1.    Thailand(hosts)

2.    Uzbekistan

3.    Vietnam

4.    Qatar

 5.    South Korea

6.    Iraq

7.    Japan

8.    North Korea

 9.    China PR

10. Australia

11. Jordan

12. Saudi Arabia

 13. Syria

14. Iran

15. United Arab Emirates

16. Bahrain

Persian Gulf League in action again.

The 15th season of Iran’s premiere league (Persian Gulf Professional League) will start in earnest from tomorrow Thursday 30th July 2015.

16 teams will be battling it out for the ultimate prize of lifting the Championship title and challenging the holder Sepahan Esfahan, the team with the most honors in the history of the league. The Esfahani team has been consistently challenging for the title since the start of the new league system, and has managed to win a record breaking 5 titles with 1 runner up and one third place positions. As such Foolad Mobarekeh Sepahan is the most decorated team of the league.

Sepahan won the league in style

The Defending Champions

No doubt that Sepahan will continue on the same trail this season with nearly same squad that won the title in the previous season under the leadership of Coach Hossein Faraki. The ex-Team Melli striker is building a deservedly good reputation for himself in Iran’s football by winning his second title in a row with two different clubs. The soft spoken coach has kept faith in the title winning squad and refrained from indulging in any business in the transfer market. No doubt that a fit again Navidkia will assist Sepahan further in this edition. The frail and injury prone Captain of the team was absent for many matches last season.

 

Branko Ivankovic ^ Ali Daei 2006
Branko Ivankovic Persepolis Coach

Persepolis

Persepolis, the most popular team in Iran along with Esteghlal, have been having torrid few seasons with changes in personnel occurring on regular basis. This club has so disappointed it millions of fans that the usual crowd of red army that used to paint Azadi in red has virtually disappeared. The Club numerous problems off the field, was further complicated the issue by some on the field transgressions of some players acting unruly and suffering from ill- disciplined. Poor appointments in coaching and administrative staff has furthered deteriorated the team to the extent that it was fighting for survival near the end of the last league season. Branko Ivankovic was recruited to replace the struggling Hamid Derakhshan. The Croat has maintained the league status of Persepolis and avoided the relegation, however, this season, there is little indication that the team will be decidedly better than last season.

Esteghlal goals rush unlikely

The Blues of Esteghlal

Esteghlal, forever a title contender, had a disappointing last season under Amir Ghalenoei who was eventually replaced by Parviz Mazloomi. The club has a tendency to stick to its own and picks coaches from the plethora of ex and retired players rather than seek professional and experienced coaches elsewhere. Mazloomi last stint as Esteghlal coach ended bitterly when bad results and losses against much weaker teams started a semi revolt in the stands by the blues fan who demanded his removal. The squad for this season has not seen major changes however the loss of two Team Melli players in Sadeghi and Beigzadeh to Saba and lack of real fire power in the offensive line could limit the chance of Esteghlal in challenging for the title.

Like Persepolis, Esteghlal is another organization in real administrative, financial and ,management difficulties.


[box title=”

Leauge Stats

” style=”soft” box_color=”#c8c8ba” title_color=”#0d0c0c” radius=”5″]You can follow the Persian Gulf Pro League results and tables in www. teammelli.com all the time. Simply check the “Supplements” menu and select Persian Gulf League , or go to https://www.teammelli.com/the-persian-gulf-league[/box]

The League Committee

Despite gradual improvements in the organization of the league each new season, football in Iran is still behind the overall standard of rival Asian countries and the neighboring Persian Gulf states. Most of the facilities and the stadiums lack the international standards. Mercifully, AFC pressure has forced the Iranian authorities into action. The Asian ruling body plays a major role in forcing the Iranians to improve standards and facilities like the recent ruling by the AFC and insistence to install seats in the stadiums rather than the fans endure the hardship od sitting on scorching cement slabs.

One of the weaknesses of last season was the periodical stoppage of the season for Team Melli training camps which resulted in unanimous outcry by the coaches and teams. Those league stoppages were demanded by Carlos Queiroz as conditional for Team Melli survival in the World Cup. With no World Cup in 2016 , it is hoped that the season will continue without much interruption that hurts team’ momentum.

The blues

 

Attendances

Last season suffered from lack of interest by the fans. Factors that has affected the poor attendances varied amongst the major ones were; shortages of quality games, dearth of exciting players or games to attract the crowds, failure of the two most popular teams to shine which dampened the enthusiasm of their huge number of followers, match organizers lack of respect and appreciation of fans comfort and finally the broadcast of major European leagues matches on TV. Sepahan traditional never matched the fans base of the big two and their remote stadium has played a major role in the paltry attendance figures. The only team that made a difference and kept the league stands alive was Tractorsazi with its phenomenal and passionate crowds. No team has away travelling support either as the team from Tabriz. This season, despite the disappointing finish of last, should see the Azerbaijani fans flocking back once again to the Yadegar Imam stadium. The rest of the stadiums in Iran are a matter of hit and miss.

Celebration Tractorsazi style

Broadcast rights.

 Amongst the peculiarities of football in Iran is the TV and non-payment of broadcast fees.

In Iran, there is one government owned and run organization that has unjustifiably and unfairly taken full advantage of football enjoying a free ride for decades without paying anything in return. IRIB, the TV and Radio monopoly, has flatly refused to entertain any demands for payment to the league clubs or the FFIRI for broadcasting league or Team Melli matches a system that is globally implemented. IRIB, argues that it is providing a free service for fans and clubs alike and not charging the viewers, so it does not find any justification for paying while it is not charging subscription fees. In the in the contrary, IRIB thinks that it has to be paid because it is doing a favor for the clubs!.

IRIB conveniently, opportunistically and deviously ignored the millions of dollars that it has received from TV advertisers when broadcasting football matches.

This stand of arrogance and egotism by IRIB resulted in tension in the league and spilled out in the parliament and the media with various heated debates. IRIB is an organization which is strongly supported and protected by the by the highest of the hierarchy in the regime. It has dodged all attempts by all sides including the Iranian parliament to pay for broadcasting rights that is believed to have earned it coffers millions of dollars in return. Even an attempt to a TV black out and ban of cameras in stadiums, which only lasted for one round, did not dislodge the IRIB from its position. The IRIB simply brushed such a move as a minor inconvenience!

Good news of this season, however, is that IRIB finally agreed to pay for the broadcast of matches. The figures are closely kept secret and many insiders believe that it is nowhere near the true value of the league. In any case, it is a step forward and this might be a beginning of a new era for many clubs with huge financial difficulties (read the majority of the clubs) to get some return from TV broadcast rights.

Team Melli Players

10 out of the 32 players that donned Iran’s Team Melli jersey have changed club so far. There are expected to be a few more changes as several players have not agreed terms with their present clubs while many other countries have not started the season yet..

 

The full list of Team Melli player is as follows:

 

# Players Name Previous Team Current Team
1 AMIRI, Vahid Naft Tehran Naft Tehran
2 ANSARIFARD, Karim Osasuna Rah Ahan
3 AZMOUN, Sardar FC Rostov FC Rostov
4 BEIGZADEH, Hashim Esteghlal Saba Qom
5 BIRANVAND, Alireza Naft Tehran Naft Tehran
6 DEJAGAH, Ashkan Al Arabi Al Arabi
7 EBRAHIMI, Omid Esteghlal Esteghlal
8 EZZATOLLAHI, Saeid Athletico Madrid FC Rostov
9 FOROUZAN, Mohsen Esteghlal Esteghlal
10 GHAFOORI, Vourya Sepahan Esfahan Sepahan Esfahan
11 GHOOCHANNEJAD, Reza Al Wakra Al Wakra
12 HAGHIGHI, Alireza FC Penafiel  FC Penafiel 
13 HAJSAFY, Ehsan Sepahan Esfahan Sepahan Esfahan
14 HASSANZADEH, Masoud Zob Ahan Zob Ahan
15 HEYDARI, Khosrow Esteghlal Esteghlal
16 HOSSEINI, Jalal Al Ahli Naft Tehran
17 JAHANBAKHSH, AliReza NEC NEC
18 KANANI, Mohammad Hossein Malavan Malavan
19 KHANZADEH, Mohammadreza Persepolis Foolad Kuzestan
20 MOHAMMADI, Milad Rah Ahan Rah Ahan
21 MONTAZERI, Pejman Umm Salal Al Ahli
22 NEKOUNAM, Javad Osasuna Saipa
23 POOLADI, Mehrdad Al Shahaniya Al Shahaniya
24 POURALIGANJI, Morteza Tianjin Teda Tianjin Teda
25 RAFIEI, Sourosh Foolad Khuzestan Foolad Khuzestan
26 REZAEIAN, Ramin Rah Ahan Persepolis
27 SADEGHI, AmirHossein Esteghlal Saba Qom
28 SHARIFI, Mehdi Sepahan Esfahan Sepahan Esfahan
29 SHOJAEI, Masoud Al Shahaniya Al Shahaniya
30 TAREMI, Mehdi Persepolis Persepolis
31 TEYMOURIAN, Andranik Tractorsazi Tabriz Umm Salal
32 TORABI, Mehdi Saipa Saipa

Faraki  “ Team Melli U23 was shameful & catastrophic.”

Hossein Faraki, who has replaced the Croat Zlatko Kranjcar as head coach of Sepahan Esfahan , was officially introduced to the media by the club.

Faraki expressed his utmost satisfaction and gratification for being appointed as a head coach of Sepahan.” I must admit to you that the approach by Mr. Khalilain ( CEO of Sepahan) was unexpected. It did not take long for me to accept the offer to coach such a great club and organization. I am following on the footsteps of an honorable and a great coach in Zlatko Kranjcar. It is a hard act to follow however my aim is to reach his class technically and ethically. We met briefly and talked about various things.”

Faraki answered many questions about football and the league competition. The most interesting question was his comments on the embarrassing defeat against Vietnam in the Asian Games. Faraki said “That was a shameful & catastrophic result. Such shocking performance was the result of several factors and combination, The responsibilities are shared between the coaches and managers of the team and the players themselves. They all failed , and failed miserably to an extent that the reputation of our football has been tarnished.”

The contrast between the reaction of Faraki and Lai Kaffashian is quite interesting, T he former calls it a catastrophic , the latter attributes it to the strength of the Vietnamese opposition!

Faraki , normally a cool character , reserved his sharpest criticism for Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh.” This players dismissal was a shocking, dishonorable and appalling. Such act by a player is vile especially since he is representing this nation with such high Islamic values”

Faraki also criticized the U23 players’ looks and hair designs and wished if the rest of the World Did not see these players in action!

Hossein Faraki appointed as Sepahan coach

After the abrupt resignation of the Croat coach  Zlatko Kranjcar from Sepahan , Hossein Faraki was signed as the head coach of the Esfahani club.

Faraki will start his job with immediate effect this weekend when his stuttering team faces the only unbeaten team in the league , Padideh.

Farki was the prime candidate for coaching Team Melli after the World Cup when Kaffashian suddenly did a U-turn and decided that Queiroz shall remain in charge.   At this time , Team Melli is still coach less while Kaffashian keeps telling everyone that Queiroz is the coach but has not signed yet!

Meanwhile , all the teams of the Iran Group C in AFC Asian Cup 2015 ,  have played at least two friendly matches or more in their preparation for the premiere competition. Today Bahrain beat Kuwait 1-0 , while Qatar lost 0-2 to Peru.

 

Hossein Faraki reacts angrily to FFIRI suggestions.

The prime candidate for Team Melli head coach , Hossein Faraki has reacted angrily to reports of his name being included in the list of the assistant coaches to Carlos Queiroz.

Meanwhile , in another interesting development , the Vice-President of FFIR Ayatollahei , has revealed that Ali Kaffashian has had talks with Hossein Faraki regarding Team Melli coaching job.

Hossein Faraki, guided Foolad Khuzestan to its second league title last season. However, the ex-Team Melli player surprisingly tendered his resignation citing health issues and requirement to have a knee operation. Many related this sudden departure from the League Champions Foolad Khuzestan , to prospect of a better job offer,  coaching of Team Melli in the post Queiroz era.

Today , Faraki reacted quite sharply and out of his calm character to the news that he is included in the list of the assistant coaches that has been leaked to the press , as possible assistant coach to Queiroz.

“With all due respect to the President of FFIRI , I announce my deep displeasure and anger towards the federations which is using my good name without my consent,  to serve their purposes. I totally condemn such an act and ask the good people there in FFIRI to respect people’s honor and refrain from misusing my name and reputation by fallacy “

Explaining further , Faraki said “I have worked alongside great coaches in Team Melli for 7 to 8 years. I have learned a lot from them and picked up valuable experience to help my career. My success last year was not a fly by the night thing, I have worked hard for it to become what I am.”

“Now that they are in a peril, because of their failures to secure the services of the coach they wanted, they are using our names as assistant coaches  to cover their shortfalls. None of them had the decency to talk to me about it. Who told them that I want to be an assistant to anybody?”

Faraki , who must have been quite disappointed after Kaffashian pursued Querioz said “They are in such a mess out there , their acts are closer to a comedy theater rather than professional management of football.”

FFIRI issued an official  denial yesterday.

Ivankovic “The team should have played an offensive game plan against Bosnia”

Branko Ivankovic , former Team Melli coach in a short interview with ISNA, beleives that Iran missed a golden opportunity in the World Cup.  In regards to the recent Team’s performance in the World Cup , Ivankovic who was Iran’s coach in the last appearance in a World Cup in 2006 Germany , expressed his belief that “Iran should have been much more adventurous in the last game against Bosnia. The team should have played an offensive game plan because it had the potential.”

” I believe there is a big chance of winning the Asian Cup with this team” said Branko 

Branko Ivankovic is the most successful coach of Team Melli in the post revolution era.  He coached Iran U23 to the Asian Games Gold Medal in 2002, won the WAFF title in 2003 ,  lead Team Melli to third place in Asian Cup 2004 , then qualified Iran to the World Cup 2006.  

ivankovic dae epa_main

“Despite the fact that Bosnia teams has changed to the better and has many quality players, I think with the chance to qualify to the next round still alive , Iran team should have gone for it and gave it all it can , instead of sticking to the same defensive plan.” Ivankovic said “Of course , there will be a risk if a team is playing offensive football and be scored upon , but there was no choice. I was very disappointed to watch the last game against Bosnia , I think Iran missed a very good chance, it was not easy but certainly achievable.  The team could have made history for people of Iran in the last game.”

Iran should have taken a risk and played offensive against Bosnia

             Branko Ivankovic

“In the first two matches against Nigeria and Argentina, I think that defensive plan worked quite well . However , against Bosnia the game changed even before kick ogff. I really do not understand how the team will play with the same line up and the same defensive mentality, when it has to win the match ! If you have run a poll and asked Team Melli fan , I am sure that most of the Iranians wanted their team to go and attack to win the match.  The Iranian fans are the best and the deserve the best.  But in reality you must accept also that Bosnia was by far the better organized team in that match.”

“What do you think are the reasons behind Iran’s early exit ?”  the reporter asked.

“I am not with the team and definitely not aware of the circumstances around it. This question has to be directed to the team coach who has been with the team a long time now and is fully aware of everything surrounding the team especially his players. I can only judge on whatever I see on the TV screen.”

“Is there any significance that non of the Asian Teams qualified for the next round?”

“I don’t think that has any significance . Big teams such as Spain , Italy and England were eliminated from the first round. This is the World Cup where anything can happen. Sometimes teams achieve their objectives sometime thy fail.”

“For argument sake , if you were the team coach in Brazil , would you have opted to play a defensive game?”

“In the first game, I would be cautious and lean towards playing a tight defense, I would also extend that to the second game against a powerful opposition, but like I said earlier , there is no reason to play defense when you need to win and score goals.! A golden opportunity was missed for Iranian people and fans.”

” For the Asian cup 2015 , I believe that this team has the potential to lift the trophy after so many decades. Although the players gave it their best in the World Cup , they did not succeed however in Australia they can compensate for that failure.”

“What is your opinion on Carlos Queiroz continuing with Team Melli?”

“I heard that Hossein Faraki is going to take over the job.  He is a good coach, he worked with me and I have a lot of respect for his character. If he gets the job , I am confident that he will build a good team for the championship which can play with confidence.”

“Do you think that Team Melli needs to inject new younger players for the Asian Cup?”

“I cannot answer that question. It is up to the new coach to decide and I am sure whoever it is , he will pick what he believes is the best team.”

“What is you opinion on your own country’s team Croatia ?”

“We had a very good team and people are very disappointed that it did not qualify. We played very well in two games but against Mexico we were disappointing., This is football , what you wish is different than what is in reality.”

 

Is Faraki groomed to take over from Queiroz?

Is somehow a surprised and questionable move, Hossein Faraki sternly refused to renew his contract with Foolad Khuzestan citing Medical problem (knee injury). Faraki who has guided Foolad Khuzestan to only their second ever League title this season parted company with Foolad as he explained  “an operation is needed on my knees. I have to quit as I will not be able to accompany the team and I believe the team will waste valuable time if I do not recover properly for the start of the pre-season training.I have to have a rest period so that I can be fully fit for future duties”

While the problem with Hossein Faraki’s knee is well known, it has not prevented his mobility in a major way , and the operation that he needs to carry out , is not deemed to have a crippling effect or long term mobility problem.

The CEO of Foolad Khuzestan has said that “the club will do anything to keep Faraki in Ahvaz, even if we have to drag him on a wheelchair, but Faraki wanted to leave and concentrate on his forthcoming knee operation and recovery process. We reluctantly agreed to his request to resign. We regret that this gentleman who has left a legacy with us , beautiful memories and a team that we are proud of , is going to be no more part of the organization.”

Things being what they are in Iran , in an essence , nothing is too straight foreword, rumors are already brewing that Hossein Faraki will be taking over from Carlos Queiroz after the Portuguese coach contract expires with the World Cup.

Kaffashian has already admitted that his federation cannot afford to renew the contract of Queiroz and his coaching staff , especially since the Portuguese rate has gone up. Kaffashian also said that no one is willing to tab the bill for Queiroz expenses ( ..we wonder why ?) and hence the chances of Carlos Queiroz leading Team Melli after the World Cup is extremely slim.

When asked about the prospects of Team Melli coaching job , Faraki said that he is honored to be considered for such a position however, he denied that he has been approached by the federation although later he added that he should not really be commenting on this issue!. Faraki wished Team Melli all the best in the World Cup under its present coach and insisted that in this period he wants to get over with his operation.

With FFIRI continual financial distress and the inability to afford a high profile European coach , Hossein Faraki seems to be quite an logical choice for Team Melli amongst the rest of the candidates. Recent Iranian coaches appointments from Ghalenoei , Ebrahimzadeh,  Daei  and  Mansourian did not yield the desired results although Ghalenoei and Daei had very respectable records during their reign while the other two were hardly given a decent chance (3 matches for Ebrahimzadeh and one for Mansourian).  

With a championship title in the bag, Faraki can claim a major achievement especially considering that he won the league based on team of young players, limited budget/resources, dearth of star players or high profile footballers and inexperienced team compared to his more illustrious rivals.

Whether Faraki will take over after June is still not clear yet, but knowing the people who pull the strings in the federation and their sense of urgency which is compatible with the of a turtle’s march, Faraki might very well find himself as an emergency coach albeit a temporary one, because the FFIRI fails to  find a suitable coach in such a short time!  None of the other high profile Iranian coaches will be available because they are contracted to their teams, Faraki however, will be out of contract creating the ideal opportunity to take over at short notice. That is one very possible scenarion

 

Stay tuned.

 

Faraki-hos

 

Hossein Faraki Career Information
Personal information
Full name Hossain Faraki
Date of birth March 22, 1957 (age 57)
Place of birth Tehran, Iran
Playing position Striker
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
1976–1979 Pas Tehran
1979–1981 Al-Shaab (UAE)
1981–1992 Pas Tehran
National team
1977–1980 Iran 22 (11)
Teams managed
2009–2010 Kaveh
2010–2012 Naft Tehran
2012–2014 Foolad

Foolad Khuzestan wins the league title

Foolad Khuzestan the proud team from South of Iran has won the Persian Gulf League title in a dramatic last day of the season.

A goal by Team Melli defender Mehrdad Jamaati in the 37th minute of Foolad’s match against Gostarish in Tabriz , was enough for Hossein Faraki men to win the championship.

Foolad Khuzestan , a young team and well-known for its pedigree of producing talented young players , were chasing the title from the onset of the season , however a tough competition with Naft Tehran , Sepahan , Persepolis and Esteghlal was ensued until the last day of the season.

This is the second title won by Foolad Khuzestan , the first was in 2004-05 season. The team will be competing in the next season AFC Asian Champions league while Foolad is still very much alive in the current Champions league and has a good chance to qualify for the knock out rounds.

The season ended in a very sore note for the defending champions Esteghlal. After the loss to Tractorzasi 3-1 at home in Azadi on Friday, Esteghlal dropped to fifth and lost it spot in the AFC Champions League. It is the first time in 6 seasons that Esteghlal will not participate in this major continental clubs competition.  The other big loser was Sepahan . The team from Esfahan which holds the a record 4 league titles lost its spot in the same competition despite defeating title contender Naft Tehran.

On the other hand, Persepolis will return back to the AFC Champions league for the first time after an absence of 3 seasons. Ali Daei’s men , despite huge financial problems  managed to beat Esteghlal Khuzestan in the final day and climb to the second position.

Karim Ansarifard , Tractorsazi and Team Melli forward won the top scorer title with 14 goals

 

Final League Standing

Persian Gulf League Season 2013-14

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 Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

D

P

Last 5 matches

1

 Foolad Khuzestan

30

16

9

5

36

24

+12

57

WLWDW

2

 Persepolis

30

16

8

6

34

15

+19

55

WDWWD

3

 Naft Tehran

30

15

9

6

39

23

+16

54

LWWDW

4

 Sepahan

30

14

12

4

36

20

+16

54

WWDDW

5

 Esteghlal

30

15

9

6

34

25

+9

53

LWLLW

6

 Tractor Sazi

30

11

13

6

39

33

+6

45

WWLLL

7

 Malavan

30

13

6

11

40

33

+7

44

LLWWL

8

 Saipa

30

7

14

9

26

31

-5

35

DDDDL

9

 Saba Qom

30

8

9

13

32

38

-6

33

DDWLD

10

 Gostaresh Fola…

30

7

11

12

31

34

-3

32

LLLDD

11

 Rah Ahan

30

7

10

13

25

34

-9

31

LDWWD

12

 Esteghlal Khuz…

30

6

11

13

26

37

-11

29

LLLDD

13

 Zob Ahan

30

6

11

13

24

36

-12

29

WWLLL

14

 Fajr Sepasi

30

6

11

13

20

34

-14

29

WDDWD

15

 Damash Gilan

30

5

12

13

30

40

-10

26

DLLDD

16

 Mes Kerman

30

1

19

10

21

36

-15

22

DDDDD

 

 

 

List of League champions by season

2001–02               Persepolis

2002–03               Sepahan

2003–04               Pas Tehran

2004–05               Foolad Khuzestan

2005–06               Esteghlal

2006–07               Saipa

2007–08               Persepolis

2008–09               Esteghlal

2009–10               Sepahan Esfahan

2010–11               Sepahan Esfahan

2011–12               Sepahan Esfahan

2012–13               Esteghlal

2013-14                Foolad Khuzestan