Contrasting the Korean national team coach , Carlos Queiroz Iran’s boss wished the South Korean side all the best while also expressed his desire to celebrate Iran qualification for the World Cup like their host.
In the post-match press conference today , the Portuguese coach, who was involved in a stern indirect verbal argument with his Korean counterpart, warmly welcomed the media in presence and apologized for his late arrival to the press conference due to the heavy traffic. He said “ If Mr. Choi was present right now; he would have already started a war. However, we would like to apologize for the unpleasant exchanges. The Korean national team has virtually clinched a spot in the World Cup finals and I like to congratulate them” Queiroz commented.
“It is our outmost desire to see an entertaining game tomorrow and for a good reason. The Korean team will be celebrating and we would like to join them celebration. We respect South Korea’s very much, We’re here to finish the mission and hope to do it after the match. Tomorrow we achieve our mission in style.”
Queiroz was asked about the statement of a Korean player against Nekounam, which he responded in a calm manner ” I have worked and coached in many countries of the World In 33 years of professional career. I worked in Japan, USA, Spain, South Africa & England but never heard the kind of language that I have heard in the last few days, such as seeking revenge and make opponent eyes bleed. I believe that such matter have to end right here.”
Queiroz then expressed his admiration for the Korean people and culture, while emphasizing that he has not changed his mind about them because of the misdemeanor of a few individuals.
“I believe that the Korean Football federation consists of many respectable personalities and the Korean players are good people. The world knows that the Korean people are friendly, kind and welcoming. When one or two of these people use such hostile language while being disrespectful, it does not reflect on the good nature of the people of Korea, It is an individual act of disrepute.
Iran coach continued, “ For the sake of both countries fans, we have a duty to display good football . As also highlighted by FIFA rules, we also have to stick to the fair play football. It is an Iranian tradition that prior to a match, we award our competitors a bouquet of flower, and tomorrow we shall do that. When there is talk of revenge and blood, we simply respond by playing football. That is the decent and civilized way of responding. In fact, It is the only way we know how to respond. When there is talk about making someone’s eyes bleed, we will respond by running and by sweating it out . My final message is very simple, we are here to celebrate qualification to the World Cup, we did not come to engage in a fight against Korea. I’m requesting the Korean and Iranian media to come together to enjoy the football.” By his statement, Queiroz quelled any fear of rough play from his side.
BBC reporter asked Queiroz “According to your previous message to Korean coach , will you buy him Uzbekistan shirt . My second question , after two years of living in Iran, how much of an Iranian do you feel?” The national coach of Iran said “allow me a little joke! I was ready to buy a shirt for Choi, but when he demanded 11 shirts, I changed my mind about my offer. I do not have enough money to buy him eleven jerseys! In fact, at the end of the match I will shake hands with him. We shall both celebrate our teams qualifications. It will be my pride to award Choi Iran’s jersey, but the answer to the second question: I feel at home in Iran . Iran is like where my Family is.”