Tag: Team Melli

Branko Ivankovic rumours!

The former Team Melli and Persepolis head coach Branko Ivankovic is rumoured to be approaching a return back to Iran.

The Croat, who left Persepolis after three successful years of winning trophies and titles, was recently interviewed where he denied the possibility of a return back to Persepolis, the club that withheld his wages for over a year. Nevertheless, Ivankovic also said that he is not interested in coaching a national team as he prefers the day to day commitment associated with coaching a club.

History has proven time and again that what coaches say in public about their future jobs, hardly holds true and in reality, anything might happen. Denial is standard practice for coaches on speculation of a new appointment.

What is interesting is that Ivankovic, who is perhaps the most popular and successful foreign coach in Iran’s football history, is out of work and the approval rating of the newish Team Melli coach Marc Wilmots is quite low. Not only Wilmots has failed to get any points out of the last two World Cup qualifiers, but Team Melli is also in serious risk of losing out on qualification which was achieved so easily under Carlos Queiroz in 2014 and 2018. Wilmots, who is a fly-by-night coach who is hardly seen in Iran, is currently back home in Belgium and seems to turn up a day or two before matches! In reality, he will not be in Iran for at least 4 months before the next World Cup qualifiers in March 2020.

Speculations are rife about Ivankovic taking over Wilmots’ job. His knowledge and experience of Iranian football at all levels is second to none. His records and achievements with Team Melli is quite highly regarded and appreciated by the fans. What could be a serious stumbling block with Ivankovic is how to work with a feeble ineffectual and seriously inefficient federation.

Those responsible in the FFIRI, but specifically the Duo Mehdi Taj and Mohammadreza Saket, have time and time again failed Team Melli in many ways. They have always extended their arms begging the government for aids and donations including money to pay their employees and coaches. The FFIRI Lacks solid strategy, philosophy and direction and works on Hail Mary and wishful thinking basis. Just like a few days back when two emotional communique was issued by the International Relations department and published in the official FFIRI website to justify the two costly losses in the World Cup qualifiers. Instead of injecting confidence and providing solutions for Team Melli to recover from this tragedy created by them, the FFIRI went into comprehensive good wishes and good luck philosophy without committing any particular measures. Basically, counting on hope, luck and greetings!

This federation hardly has long term plans for Team Melli, particularly Friendly matches. They claim they have tried, but were not successful to arrange such important matches, which prove the inefficiency of the personnel running the FFIRI.  Under such a cloud of inefficiency, it is difficult to imagine a coach succeeding in Team Melli.

 However, Ivankovic who led Team Melli to FIFA World Cup 2006, has tasted all that and plenty of bureaucracy in the many years he worked in Iran. The Gentleman, as many supporters call him, might fancy himself another challenge and a few bouts with Mehdi Taj. He just might be the answers that the fans are looking for because anything is better than what it is now.

Finally…Nottingham Forest signs Ansarifard

Nottingham Forest have signed Iran striker Karim Ansarifard after delays obtaining a work permit.
The 28-year-old Team Melli center forward has signed a one-and-a-half year contract, after finally being granted a work permit to enable him to join the Championship club.

Ansarifard joins as a free agent on a deal until the summer of 2020.

He has been without a club since being released by Olympiacos – the Greek club owned by Forest majority shareholder Evangelos Marinakis – in August.

Ansarifard scored 17 goals in 26 league appearances for Olympiacos last season and featured against Burnley in the Europa League earlier this term.

He has scored 18 goals in 68 international appearances for Iran, including the equaliser against European champions Portugal at the 2018 World Cup.

Nottingham Forest fans have been reacting to the much anticipated signing of Karim Ansarifard.

The former Olympiacos forward arrives at the City Ground on a free transfer following the termination of his contract with the Greek club in August.

He signed terms on a one-and-a-half year contract in Nottingham and will add competition to the current forward line of Nottingham forest in-form Lewis Grabban, Daryl Murphy and Hillal Soudani.

Despite the move only being announced on the day of today’s visit of table-topping Sheffield United the forward is eligible to be included in Aitor Karanka’s squad.
This however will not be his first time taking on English opposition this season as he featured for his former side Olympiacos as they eliminated Burnley in the Europa League.

Mick McDermott raises the anger against Queiroz!

Mehr New sport service published an article on the recent exchanges between FFIRI personnel of Team Melli and Omid Team. The article is highly critical of Queiroz and his assistants and once again ignited the arguments against the Portuguese coach, who is never ever more than inches away from controversy.

Here is a brief excerpt

Mick McDermott the assistant coach of the team Melli, in response to Hamid Estilli’s remarks which he said that “I would go to the World Cup at my own expense and await the federation’s response to use the PAC Center”, the right hand man of Queiroz said “It seems that Mr. Estilli is confusing Team Melli with the circus! If you are looking to use the bear for a circus, you should use the bears that you have left in Myanmar.”

This is the comment of Carlos Queiroz s assistant. The Portuguese man who has been using such offensive and vulgar literature for many years over and over against some of Iran’s most respected sports personnel, soccer directors and officials including civil servants. He has now delegated  this task to his soldier to fire back at Hamid Estili

McDermott has used the same “bad” literature as Carlos Queiroz. The literature of “insult” to an Iranian legend is just like the style of the Portuguese professor and his student who will naturally follow suite.

Experts and the media have repeatedly criticized Queiroz and his subordinates for these coarse manners. Rude remarks, lack of respect and contempt, is contradictory to the Iranian culture, Queiroz camp has infuriated many respected personalities and it seems they are adamant to continue while there seems that nothing is going to repel them. Surely, a feeble head of the Federation who is on a shaky ground himself has neither the courage nor the desire to put them straight.

What kind of glory and successes has Queiroz and his coaching team achieved for Iran to justify such insults to everyone, is beyond comprehension!.  Which great success has been made for Iranian football, which is so outrageous to the footballers and honors of this country?

Hamid Estilli will always remain the hero in the history of Iranian football for that strike on the USA team in 1998, if Queiroz and his assistants have done a great job in the FIFA World Cup 2018, when they won a single match thanks to the their opponents’ own goal and drew once with a last minute penalty, the like of Estili have done many honors too.

If the Queiroz end result in the World Cup was praised by the leader of the Revolution, Hamid Estilli, with a goal against the United States, was especially praised by the Supreme Leader, and they kissed the goal scorer on the forehead.

Why Queiroz and his assistants think that they have done miracles for this football.?Team Melli won praise for the  good results in the World Cup, but which critic and football expert said that Iran’s played a beautiful game and showcased audience? Who is the fair expert who has forgotten the long minutes of “Hail Mary” style of football against Morocco, Spain and albeit to much less against Portugal?

Team Melli head coach and his assistants should know their limits and not extend their legs beyond their bed cover. Of course, in reality, they are not to be blamed, the blame is solely on the federation’s officials, who, from day one, did not take the correct action against misdemeanors of Queiroz for whatever reasons.

All what Hamid Estili said, which Queiroz and his assistant found offensive (..) , was a demand by Estili, the appointed Manager of Omid Team (U 23), for his squad to utilize the facilities of the national team camp. Is this training camp built for Queiroz and his assistants and players only?? It seems like that because the mere request by Estili has ignited the wrath of Queiroz coaching staff.

 

Who is Michael “Mick” McDermott

Born 1974 in Belfast,  Northern Ireland.  Irish former professional player, McDermott has held various coaching roles in professional football clubs as well as at the international level over the past 15 years. He has held coaching positions at some of Asia’s biggest Clubs; Al Ain FC (Abu Dhabi), Esteghlal FC (Tehran), Al Nasr FC (Dubai).

In 2011 he was part of Carlos Queiroz coaching staff. In 2012 he left his job with Team Melli citing family issues, but then joined Al Nasr club of Dubai in the same capacity of assistant coach. However, in 2017 he turned up in Iran once again this time as the assistant coach of Esteghlal lead by the German head coach Winfried Schäfer.  His contract was terminated in October 2017 and then he re-joined Carlos Queiroz in Team Melli where he is currently an Assistant Coach.

 

Trinidad and Tobago announces squad to face Iran.

Trinidad and Tobago Senior Men’s Team head coach Dennis Lawrence today announced a 20-man roster for the October 14th International Friendly against Thailand.

The squad remains basically the same from the one that defeated United Arab Emirates 2-0 last month with Israel-based winger Levi Garcia still missing with injury. Making into the squad is forward Ricardo John. Lawrence also invited three Under 21 players to train with the squad on local soil over the weekend before the team’s departure for Thailand. Those players are Kierron Mason, Judah Garcia and Tyrese Bailey.

The TTFA also announced that a friendly against Iran , which is preparing its National team for the AFC Asian Cup 2019, has been secured to be played in Tehran on November 15th.

Iran played Trinidad in a friendly before the FIFA World Cup 2014 and defeated the Caribbean nation 2-0

 

Trinidad Squad

  • ADRIAN FONCETTE
  • MARVIN PHILLIP
  • SHELDON BATEAU
  • DANEIL CYRUS
  • AUBREY DAVID
  • KEVAN GEORGE
  • CUPTIS GONZALES
  • ATAULLA GUERRA
  • RICARDO JOHN
  • TRISTON HODGE
    AKEEM HUMPHREY
  • KHALEEM HYLAND
  • JOEVIN JONES
  • KESTON JULIEN
  • NATHAN LEWIS
  • DUANE MUCKETTE
  • LESTON PAUL
  • JOMAL WILLIAMS
  • SHAHDON WINCHESTER
  • ALVIN JONES

Late strike by Ansarifard gives Iran a narrow win against Lithuania

Karim Ansarifard scored a late winner to give Iran a 1-0 victory over Lithuania in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday.

Carlos Queiroz’s side, who will face Morocco, Spain and Portugal in Group B at the World Cup, went into the game on the back of a 2-1 friendly defeat against Turkey in Istanbul and struggled to create chances against Edgaras Jankauskas’ lively Lithuania side.

After going in goalless at half-time, Iran spent much of the second half pinned back by waves of Lithuanian attacks, with Justas Lasickas firing over the crossbar before substitute Povilas Leimonas failed to hit the target after a neat passing move culminated in a chance on the hour mark.

Iran came to life in the last 10 minutes of the game, piling forwards and creating a number of chances before Olympiacos striker Ansarifard tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area and found the net in the 88th minute.

While the result – Iran’s fourth victory in their last six international friendlies – will have pleased Queiroz, the manner of his side’s performance will have given him food for thought ahead of their group opener against Morocco on June 15.

This was the last friendly of Team Melli. Due to a mixture of issues, games against Greece and Kosovo were cancelled. At the last minute it was been able to arrange this game against Lithuania. The Iran was the first team to arrive in Russia and has been in Moscow for 3 days, where it will play. its fifth participation in the World Cup.

Lithuania is a fourth tier team of Europe, which has not played in any World Cup, nor is it expected to do so in the short and medium term. The team consists of local players who play in their country’s, infima league, where their first division players, would have problems playing in the third division of Spain, for example.

I

Queiroz Domestic League contempt

Queiroz’s verbal arson and laying into the Domestic Persian Gulf League in such cruel, public fashion in front of the Europeans journalists is yet another proof that nothing has changed with this self-serving head coach

True to the form book, he lashed out about the poor standards of Iran’s Persian Gulf League players, their coaches and the system of training deployed.

Queiroz has always had contempt for the league in Iran. He hardly attends league matches, preferring to watch the Legionnaires in Europe. It is a good break for him too, of course. For domestic league the lower ranks in Team Melli training Cadre do the mundane job of watching potential talents and future Team Melli players.

His justification for the low grade of the domestic league and players goes beyond technicalities too as there is some personal issues in it. It started more than 4 years ago when the league coaches vehemently rejected his grandeur plans of suspending the Persian Gulf League and focusing on Team Melli as the ideal preparation  for FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014.

He even warned or at least insinuated that if his plans are not implemented, Team Melli will be humiliated in Brazil against the might of Argentina! The whole of Iran and particularly the government must listen to him and abide to his wishes or else!

 

Apparently only the ‘idealists coaches and idiots’ in the local media dismissed his threats or doomsday scenario as a hoax. Many considered it yet another Queiroz’s “I know- better- than- you- all” rhetoric !  

In reality, Team Melli played one of its matches in the World Cup against Argentina. It was only the magnificence of one Lionel Messi, with his last gasp goal, that spoiled the party. It was nothing like the Saudi’s 8-0 drubbing by the hands of the German in 2002 or even the 7-1 humiliation of the host Brazil against the Champions Germany in the same World Cup 2014.

Queiroz was at it again during the post-match press conference after the Algeria win in Graz.

When Queiroz starts talking down the country’s assets and domestic players in such cruel, discourteous manner in public, he knows very well that he is untouchable. There is no culpability, no accountability and he certainly will not be questioned by the feeble Head of IRIFF, Mehdi Taj.

The Paradox of Queiroz claims are mind boggling too. Although he has little regards for the domestic league player, not a secret by a long shot, claiming their standards are way too low for the World Cup, he still demands that the league should be abandoned so that players are released fully for Team Melli!

Now, if they are not good enough to play in World Cup or have a long way to go, and everyone knows, even the Imam Juma of Sanandaj , that the nucleus of his team in Russia will be the Legionnaires, why deprive the clubs from revenue, players from competitions and fans from enjoying watching football matches?

Luckily, Carlos Queiroz is not the only experienced European coach making a living in Iran. Winfried “Winnie” Schäfer ,  who won the African Nations Cup in 2002 with Cameroon and now coaching Esteghlal, and Branko Ivankovic the famous coach of Persepolis and former Team Melli head coach, have both dismissed Queiroz claims. The German took a swipe at Queiroz today after a fine win by Esteghlal in the league against Naft Tehran 2-1. The winner was a last minute goal ironically scored by the rising star of Iranian football Omid Noorafakn, a product of the domestic league.

“All Esteghlal players members of Team Melli played very well and proved how good they are. Esteghlal players are quite ready to play in the World Cup, no doubts” Schäfer said in the post-match press conference.

 

 

Fifa gives green light to Sierra Leone friendly in Azadi

Sierra Leone Stars hopes of meeting World Cup-bound Iran in a friendly encounter in Tehran on Saturday, 17 March has been confirmed by football world governing body, Fifa.

The contest will take place in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.

A Fifa spokesperson told Football Sierra Leone UK via email that there was a need for proper clarification ahead of schedule match.

The match was uncertain after FIFA’s recognised SLFA head, Isha Johansen, and her Scribe; Chris Kamara informed the organisation that they were unaware of the ‘friendly.

Extracts of the communication read -“For the captioned international friendly match, please be informed there was a need for some clarifications before the necessary authorisation could be extended, but the said match will go ahead in Tehran.”

It could be recalled that on October 2017, Isha Johansen and Kamara were both ordered by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to step aside following charges of abuse of office and pilfering of public funds. The matter is ongoing.

In spite of the above, Fifa says they recognise the Johansen leadership until Integrity checks and elections are conducted.

The arranged test scheduled will be Iran’s first 2018 World Cup warm-up encounter and the first between the two nations.

Leone Stars including just three foreign-based players will take on the best Asian football team.

The foreign-based are Finish-based TP-47 striker Thomas Koroma, JS Hercules midfielder Abdul Sesay and attacker Abu Bakarr Kargbo from fourth-tier German side Berliner AK 07.

The two countries have a very good international relation and Sierra Leone for the first time considered to play a friendly by a team heading to a World Cup.

The African minnows ranked 98th while Iran is the best Asian football team and 33rd in the world.

Iran are in Group B at the FIFA World Cup alongside Spain, Morocco and Portugal.

Carlos Queiroz’s men will open their Russia 2018 campaign with a match against Morocco at Saint Petersburg on June 15, before taking on Spain in Kazan on 20 June.

No reception party for Team Melli squad !!

Carlos Queiroz refused to give an interview on arrival at Imam Khomeini International airport as a result of what he claimed as lack or respect by the management of the federation. Team Melli squad arrived in Tehran after a long trip from South Korea after playing a goal-less draw against the host nation in the qualifying rounds of the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018. Iran maintained the lead in the Group with 21 points 7 points ahead of second place Korea with an incredible run of 12 clean sheets match in the qualifiers .

Team Melli players have already used the social media to complain about the lack of support and the indifference of the authorities in providing suitable resources including a proper training ground.  This type of federation indifference has become the norm from as far as Queiroz took over in 2011.  After several threats of resignation and refusal to go to Tehran , Queiroz was promised that support will improve and his requirements will be met. Promises after promises and 6 years later , the situation has hardly changed. The head of the FFIRI has changed but certainly not for the better and the same incompetence still prevails leaving Carlos Queiroz fuming at every opportunity.

This time in the Airport, there was not even a single FFIRI delegate to meet the squad. Such lack of interest by the officials left many players despondent. Khabar Varzeshi news which was televising live from the airport on Team Melli arrival was not granted any interviews because of FFIRI officials absence!!

 

What is Queiroz’s real problem?

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[column size=”1/2″] The controversial Portuguese has been hitting the headline lately with some provocative and to many, some offensive statements.  “Team Melli ship is sinking “ that is how he described a team which just hit 9 goals in 2 international friendly matches this week three of them against a European opposition.

 
For that statement alone, Queiroz must have lost quite a few friends and the paltry number that showed up in Azadi on Tuesday against Kyrgyzstan is a testament of his popularity. His last statement in an interview given to Radio Varzesh has not been received too favorably in the press even amongst his allies and suitors.  
What is behind the continuous nagging and rhetoric of Queiroz i? What is the real story ?
Does Queiroz think that his “Lack of resources” pretexts are sold so easily on the masses? No one in the history of Team Melli coaching , including expatriates such as the long serving Branko Ivankovic, has received so much funding as him and during his reign. Facts and figures are evidence of that.  The local Team Melli Iranian coaches like Daei and Ghalenoei would have dreamed of the type of support this Queiroz has been receiving.
Not that Queiroz is wrong in demanding the best for Team Melli, but the fact remains that this is the type of structure and management that administers football in Iran always had and nothing will dramatically improve real soon. Only the naïve will believe that Mehdi Taj, with all the good intents, will revolutionize the football in Iran. Queiroz is much savvy and clever to believe all the promises that Taj has given him lately.
If Queiroz is not complaining about lack of funds and resources, he usually gets embroiled in verbal battle and assault with someone.  It could be the VP of the FFIRI, another coach, a Lady administrator, the Director of Azadi stadium, journalist, TV reporter and the list goes on. He has no respect for his position nor does he care much about the slander and defamation laws of the country either. That seems to be strange since another famous antagonist, whose tongue slashing is legendary, was jailed recently after a court case where the judge found him guilty of defamation and contempt. That is the famous Daei vs. Mayeli-Kohan case. Queiroz is so far has a diplomatic immunity and can say whatever he likes.
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[column size=”1/2″] It seems that no one is immune from the Portuguese wrath, including Minister of Sport and his associates!
It is possible that many punters believe him and support his cause, but behind all this belies a fact or two  that needs a careful scrutiny.
Known Fact one: Carlos Queiroz does NOT want to continue working with Team Melli and working in Iran. Proof and evidence: he has submitted his resignation, which was rejected as he is bound by a contractual obligation. Queiroz is also known for his continual absent from Iran on holiday or assignment abroad.
What are the reasons for Queiroz’s lack of enthusiasm for Team Melli? Only Queiroz himself knows but it could anything of these, lucrative offers from other countries, a new challenge needed, lack of riches in Iran, lack of total and absolute support, difficulty adjusting to Iranian social life, and/or doubt in the fortunes of Team Melli as evident from his notorious quote “Team Melli ship is sinking”
Known Fact two: with the renewal of his contract after the last World Cup, Queiroz must serve the period or pay penalties if he opts out. The quickest way and the most profitable for him is to get the sack. Not only the FFIRI has to pay the severance amount, they have to pay him until the remaining of the contract. It is in the millions of US$ and FFIRI is certainly not willing perhaps incapable of raising that money.
As such, Queiroz rhetoric will continue while Taj and Kaffashian will set suffering the embarrassment of the old moaning Portuguese. Kaffashian , incidentally , still has a plenty of major roles in FFIRI although he is officially only the Deputy for Taj.
It is a pitiful situation for a team that has been sitting at the top of Asian FIFA ranking for over two years. A team, although failed to win any trophies, managed to qualify for the World Cup 2014 in Brazil and has a big chance of repeating it again. A team that has played some good matches, beautiful football and defeated Chile, the Copa America Champions. A team that has only lost once in that period against Sweden, scored 48 goals in 19 matches since January 2015 and has a winning percentage of 73.7% in all competitions
Unless there is an intentional sabotage brewing within Team Melli, we have a strong belief that this team with a set of young talented players mixed with experienced campaigners has plenty of potential and can make it to the World Cup. This is hardly a sign of a team sinking.
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Queiroz departs Iran on extended medical leave.

Team Melli’s Head Coach Carlos Queiroz departed Iran for an extended leave of absence in which the Portuguese coach intends to go for medical check up and recuperation, according to Ali Kaffashian, The President of FFIRI.

Queiroz , who was rumored to be seriously ill , gave no interviews nor did not provide any hint on nature of his illness on his departure from Iran.  The only reference about the medical condition of Queiroz came in form of a denial of rumors by Afshin Peyrovani , the sporting manager of Team Melli who denied that Queiroz has cancer.

Carlos Queiroz arrived with the Team Melli squad from the long trip from Guam jaded and somehow less lively than normal, however , that could have been due to the stress of the long journey rather than any serious illness.

Queiroz is not expected back in Iran for at least 50 days. Interestingly enough, during his absence the FFIRI election will be conducted in which Kaffashian , his staunch supporter, might very well not be the head of FFIRI by the time Queiroz is back.

We wish , Team Melli coach , the speediest of recovery and good health.