Tag: Mohammad Reza Khalatbary

26/12/2014

Reading into Queiroz squad

The number of new players in this squad is quite refreshing. In we add them to the already younger or less experienced players Carlos Queiroz seems to have done a fine job in his selection. 5 uncapped players are selected (Frouzan , Biranvand, Amiri , Rezaeian, & Pouraliganji) in addition to the low experienced Azmoun and Ghafoori as the new faces in the team heading for Australia.

However, despite the excitement about the selection of new players, the old guard will undoubtedly play the key pivotal role in Queiroz game plans once the competition kicks off. Chances of any of the new faces making an impact by given playing time is quite remote and quite uncharacteristic of the conservative Portuguese coach, who prefers subtle and gradual changes.

The biggest problem with this team, like the ones before is the absence of creative midfield player. The selection of Iman Mobali in the squad for the South African camp was a blessing as it signaled a slight shift in Queiroz mentality. Mobali is one of the few masters of creativity in Iran’s football. He is a much mature and composed player now that he reached his thirties. His vision, long balls and reading of the game is second to none. Only Mojtaba Jabbari can claim anything near the quality of Iman Mobali.

Unfortunately, Mobali was not selected in the final squad, although there are still two more places to be filled. Undoubtedly, one will be reserved for Montazeri who is on the injury list at this time hoping that he might recover in time. So, the short lived excitement of Queiroz possible tactical switch in Australia and inclinations for offensive game plan seemed to be premature presumption. Queiroz, seems to stick to his tried and trusted defensive game, the one that bore the world to death against Nigeria and Argentina in Brazil.

The finest way to look at the selection of the new players is to look forward to building a better team to compete in FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers. Any other ideas or notions about them being part of the Asian Cup adventure seems to be more like a fairytale.

The major issue in this squad is the form of those players that Queiroz has put his full trust in. The small set of players Queiroz calls on through thick and thin , those he entrusts deliver, the likes of Dejagah , Ghoochannejad , Nekounam , Teymourian, Sadeghi , Hosseini, Shojaei , Heydari and Beigzadeh. With the best intent and benefit of the doubt given to this group, none has performed anything more than average with their clubs. The standard of Dejagah , Teymourian , Ghoochjanejad and Nekounam has been on the decline in this season. Chances of them turning their dismal lackluster performances at their clubs abroad into a championship winning performance in Australia , is yet another of those wishful thinking that the fans put so much hope upon in Team Melli.

Not all Team Melli players have disappointed though. Arguably the best two who performed above average, and at times excellently are HajSafy and teammate Khalatbary. The first is already in the squad, the latter is in the black list of Queiroz hence he is out of the team. The Portuguese coach will no doubt contest the existing of a blacklist in his pocket but the reality is that Queiroz spends too much energy on off the field side issues, firefighting , counting the numbers of his enemies and who said what rather than focusing on the game itself, the league and the standard of players. If his off field energy was properly channeled , he would have done a better job that selecting a feeble Karim Ansarifard , who has failed to score or impress with a second division Spanish club, while ignore a youthful inspiring and hungry striker such as Sajjad Shabajzadeh or Mehdi Sharifi.

hajsafy surrounded — Ehsan Hajsafy surrounded by Uzbek players

A few days back, Queiroz admitted that Iran is not even the favorite to qualify from the group, let alone win the title, Qatar and UAE are the two favorites from Group C. That might upset a few million fans, but Queiroz for what it’s worth, is a realistic man in this statement. You cannot claim that you are the best team and vying for the title with such a shambolic pre-tournament preparation. Chaotic, disorganized and under-funded, as team Melli was in the last few months cannot claim anything but to perform the best they can , nothing more and nothing less.

There is a wide gap between the expectations and aspirations of Team Melli fans and those at the helm of the team. While the absolute majority of fans polled in here at TeamMelli.com and in the Navad TV show think of winning the title or reaching the final, the realists would be happy with making it out of the starting black and into the knock out stages.

Ashkan+Dejagah+Thailand+v+Iran+jyARYeOsHF3l — Ashkan Dejagah vs Thailand

02/06/2014

Spare a thought for Mohammad Reza Khalatbary.

The World Cup is the ultimate dream of any player in the world, more so the players from third world countries. Missing on the World Cup can be morally devastating for some especially if such a player has done enough to justify his selection in the national team that had made it to the World Cup. When the player has contributed towards the qualification, it seems cruel to give such player the pink chit and tell him thank you but your services are not required in the World Cup.

The media in particular relishes such stories, some of them dramatic especially if it is associated with some firework in form of statements and verbal war.

Our story does not have that sort of drama, in fact it is honorably accepted by the player who has opted to keep silent and take out his sorrow in the privacy of his surroundings rather than public outcry.

In this article we want to spare a thought to Mohammad Reza Khalatbary, the Persepolis winger who was surprisingly omitted from the final list of 23 players.

A quick look at Khalatbary contribution towards the FIFA World Cup 2014 campaign paints more than a decent picture of a valuable player. Khalatbary played a total of 13 matches (9 as a started 4 as a substitute). He scored 2 goals; the first one was a goal for the record books as it was scored in the injury time against Uzbekistan in Tashkent in the first match of the finals rounds of qualification. A true gem of a goal , a more boosting strike and a savior for Team Melli.

Khalatbary value as a pacey skilful winger has been in evidence in Team Melli and his clubs numerous of times. His explosive runs on the flanks , his ability to dribble , his bravery, his assists , his crosses and finally his sheer commitment and devotion made this player a number is not easily ignored by coaches.

But Carlos Queiroz had other ideas not strictly according to the script and formbook.

So, who is the player who has taken Khalatbary’s place in the plane to Brazil? All fingers direct towards Masoud Shojaei who also operates on the right midfield and plays also as pseudo winger.

Shojaei’s contribution toward Iran’s qualification to the world cup was 5 matches and no goals. It also included one red card against South Korea in Azadi.

Khaltabry is 30 while Shojaei is a year younger, however, there is marked difference between the pace and stamina of the two players. While Khalatbary’s speed is his hallmark especially in short distances, shojaei looks lethargic in comparison and hardly been known for his pace.

Despite the better qualities and contribution of Khalatbary over Shojaei in this campaign, the Las Palmas midfielder was picked and we largely believe that it is his playing in 2^nd division team in Europe plus the previous experience with Osasuna in the La Liga that has put shojaei ahead of Khalatbary in the picking order.

Whether this is justified or not or whether players other than Shojaei have been preferred over Khalatbary is immaterial as Queiroz has his own justification and selection criteria that is, if not respected or appreciated by the fans, it should at least be accepted. What is wretched in particular about Khalatbary’s exclusion is that he might never have a chance to play in the biggest football event in the world.

Spare a though for Mohammad Reza Khalatbary , who has been fighting and giving his best anytime he has been called for duty. Perhaps he is not everyone’s cup of team, but no one can not accuse him of not trying or lack of passion for his team. The Ramsar winger that entertained the crowds for years and reached the piicle of his career when he was picked by the great Diego Maradona a to play for Al Wasl, may never have a chance to show some of his magic to the rest of the world.

We salute Khalatbary.

01/06/2014

Omitted players’ reactions.

Mohammadreza Khalatabry was contacted by FarsNews Agency to get his reaction on being left out of the squad by Queiroz. The Persepolis winger was dumbfounded and shocked , however he refrained from commenting on the issue” Thank you for seeking my opinion , but at this moment I have nothing to say. I don’t know what has prompted this, and why I was left out but I rather not comment.”

On the other hand , Sardar Azmoun who has created much hype about his impending transfer to Arsenal , Barcelona and Tottenham among a few other elite European clubs, was initially too upset to comment. However , after returning home to Gonbod Kavos to see his family , the Rubin Kazan player was reached by ISNA Sport reporter and managed to get his reaction.

“Initially I was very upset, It was like a ton of brick dropped over my head. but Carlos Queiroz has contacted me to explain why I was excluded. I appreciate what Queiroz has done for me, he made sense to me. I don’t like to badmouth the coach , the squad or anything else just because I am bitter. I wish Team Melli all the best in the World Cup. I hope to make the next list in 4 years time.”

However , Khalil Azmoun , Sardar’s father and Agent , was not so prudent in his comments. His harsh reaction contradicted his son’s. “How could Sardar be dropped from the list ? Who is better than him (…)? Nobody believes he is dropped, Queiroz must answerable to this , not even one person in Iran can believe that my son is not going to the World Cup. !!!” The over excited father said in his reaction to his son’s being left out of the list.

With such a manager or Agent , we doubt that Azmoun will get professional and Quality guidance in his career. His future will be doubtful if such attitude persists.

09/04/2014

Persepolis and Khalatbary on the brink of FIFA Sanctions.

Mohammad Reza Khalatbary and his club Persepolis are on the brink of suspension after the Club failed to pay the UAE League club Ajman the reminder of the payment for the player’s transfer.

Ajman has given Persepolis one week ( 15^th April) to fork out US$ 250,000 outstanding from the player’s transfer deal. Ajman has claimed that the amount is already six month overdue and will not tolerate any further delays by the Iranian club.

Khalatbary signed a 1.5 Million dollar contract with Ajman last year, however before he even played a single match for Ajman, Persepolis came calling for the Team Melli Midfielder and on the assertion of the former CEO Mohammad Rouyanian , they managed to strike a deal with Ajman for his transfer back to Iran.

The deal raised many questions in the football circles, mainly because Persepolis had acute financial difficulties which were well publicized and known among all concerned. Somehow Persepolis managed to pay the transfer fee for Khalatbary , but the club refused to disclose the source of the transfer fee. This transfer occurred at a time when many Persepolis players and staff wages were not paid for several months. The Khalatbary transfer created some discontent in the dressing room.

Now, it has been disclosed that Persepolis has not paid the full transfer fee to Ajman. The balance of US$ 250,000 must be paid within 1 week else Ajman will file a complaint with FIFA. If Persepolis fails to adhere to the clause of the transfer agreement, FIFA can rule to suspend Persepolis from football activities, ban it from transfer market (selling or buying players) , deduct points or impose a heavy fine.

While Persepolis is in a perilous position, Khalatbary may also be suspended if FIFA deems it necessary. That would be a severe blow to Carlos Queiroz who is preparing the squad for the World Cup. The rest of the Persepolis players with Team Melli should not be affected by any FIFA ruling against their club and will be allowed to play for Team Melli.

Zamani, the agent of Khalatbary , shed some light on the transfer details. He said that the agreement between the two clubs required Persepolis to initially pay US$ 500,000 then the second payment of US$300,000. Persepolis paid US$ 400,000 initially and then with a lot of delay, it paid US$ 150,000 , which was half the agreed amount it should pay to Ajman. Eventually , Hossein Hedayti , paid the remaining US$ 150,000 “

“However , there is still US$ 250,000 remaining and an additional US$ 50,000 as interest fees due to delays in payment,”

Zamani said that “FIFA usually makes quick decisions when it is faced with cases of nonpayment of contracts. All evidence and document shows that Ajman Club has the full right and as such Persepolis might face heavy penalties from FIFA and might regret delaying the payment.”