Tag: Dragan Skočić

The Guardian reporting on Iran’s Team Melli fading hopes.

Iran’s World Cup hopes fading amid botched sacking and squad acrimony

Iran striker Sardar Azmoun
Striker Sardar Azmoun wrote a post on Instagram professing to speak for the squad and calling for Iran’s manager to stay on until after the World Cup. It swiftly led to angry reactions from other players. Photograph: Seokyong Lee/Penta Press/Shutterstock

Team’s star players at loggerheads over future of coach Dragan Skocic, leaving optimism and preparations for Qatar in tatters

The volte-face was welcomed by Sardar Azmoun, the Bayer Leverkusen forward who retired from international football at the age of 23 in 2018 after facing heavy criticism from supporters, only to return a few months later.

“We are members of the national team of Islamic Republic of Iran,” he wrote on Instagram. “We thank Iran for the efforts and support of the government officials in the direction of all-round support for the national team. We announce that in the current situation, we will work together with the technical staff to make the hearts of the Iranian people happy in the Qatar World Cup, and trust us and the national team in this critical and short period. The World Cup should be fully supported. @teammellifootball We, the players, ask you not to change anything, let’s leave everything for after the World Cup.”

Iran players Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh celebrate qualification for the Qatar World Cup.
Mehdi Taremi (left) and Alireza Jahanbakhsh, two of the senior players who came out publicly against Azmoun’s social-media post. Photograph: Mohammad Farnood/Sipa/Shutterstock

A few hours later, Mehdi Taremi – the Porto striker who scored a brilliant overhead kick against Chelsea that was voted Champions League goal of the season in 2021 – responded with an angry message that said Azmoun had spoken out “without consent” and “against our wishes”.

“It is disrespectful to the national team to issue statements in the name of the national team based on the personal interests of some players and causing the team to be divided,” he wrote. “Denying the current difficult situation that the national team is facing only increases the mountain of our problems.”

Taremi’s message was shared and liked by the captain, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, the former Brighton forward who plays for Feyenoord, and several other senior players. Taremi, Jahanbakhsh, and the AEK Athens duo Ehsan Hajsafi and Karim Ansarifard had been among a group of senior players who met the Iranian sports minister during their training camp in Qatar last month to demand that Skocic be removed from his post.

Iran’s manager Dragan Skocic
Iran’s Croat manager Dragan Skocic, who was sacked and then reinstated. Photograph: Getty Images

“They would never have dared to do something like that to Carlos Queiroz,” says Shaygan Banisaeid, a coach for Arsenal’s Football in the Community scheme who came to England from Iran in 2019, referencing the national team’s former coach. “After that, the team went into two groups. One led by Azmoun, with the younger players who have been given their chance by Skocic and are happy with him. Then there are the more experienced players with European experience who want to make a change. Unity used to be one of the team’s biggest strengths but we don’t have that any more.”

Elections for president take place on 30 August and Skocic’s position is expected to come under more pressure before the next training camp in September. Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solsjkær has been among those linked to the post along with Ali Daei, the former striker who saw Cristiano Ronaldo take his all-time international goalscoring record last year, even though Daei has not managed for three years and has said he is not interested in taking over.

Queiroz is Iran’s longest-serving manager after leading them to creditable World Cup campaigns in Russia, where they only just missed out on the last 16 after drawing with his native Portugal, and Brazil. He is available having left his post with Egypt despite leading them to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in February, although many feel nationality could count against Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant.

“This is the opinion that some people have,” says Banisaeid. “They believe that the Iranian government wants to play at the World Cup against its political opponents England and USA with an Iranian coach so they can show that we are a proud nation fighting against our big rivals with our own people.

“It’s a big dilemma: can they continue with Dragan Skoic if he isn’t going to be able to unite the players? asks Banisaeid, who has also coached at Fulham and Middlesbrough. “This will be our third World Cup in a row and there was lots of optimism when we saw the draw that this could be a good chance to get through the group. Even though some people may have underestimated the USA and Wales, everyone thought we could do something in Qatar. But now everyone is so disappointed and there is not much hope among the public. It’s heartbreaking for the nation.”

Skočić: ” I am not worried about my future on Team Melli bench”

Dragan Skočić, in an interview with the Varzesh TV program this Friday morning, said ” the conditions of the national team in Bahrain in the World Cup qualifiers were quite stressful.  I have to admit that it was a really difficult situation because we could not afford to lose even a single point. It was difficult to maintain our focus and we had to deal with various complex conditions.”

Commenting on the training camp, preparations, friendly matches, and the forthcoming game against Uruguay: ” You should know that I gave a plan to the federation three months ago and asked them to consider the best teams for the preparatory game. Teams that are on a similar level and conditions to our opponents in the World Cup. I don’t want to fuel rumors now either. I have been told that the match with Uruguay has been confirmed.”  He continued: ” What is important for us is to be able to prepare our players in the best condition possible and to be able to go to Qatar with full preparation. I have not suggested any team for friendly matches. As a head coach, I should not suggest a team. That’s why I left this choice in the hands of the federation.”

In response to the question of whether he made breakfast mandatory for all the players, the head coach of Team Melli said: ” If breakfast was the only problem, it shows that the rest of the things were carried out correctly. We were able to pull off the fastest qualification to the World Cup in the history of Iran, now why do they focus on breakfast!? ” Skočić continued: “Definitely, players should not make decisions about things like breakfast, they should focus on their real work, about how to improve and correct their shortfalls. The expectation from the players is to show their best performance in training and games.”

On the group opponents in the World Cup: “Our first opponent is England, everything is clear about this team. We must step into the field with faith and high motivation. Wales has many similarities to England in terms of players. physical and style of play. These two teams are very good.  I think some might believe that the American team is a below-strength former team, but this team has changed a lot. We have to prepare for three important and difficult games.”

On the question that Skočić invited too many players to the camp, he responded: ” There are talks about the previous camp, which was an exception. Due to some problems, I had to invite a large number, but in the next camp, the number will be standard. At the beginning of the camp, we will invite some domestic league players for the pre-camp. In this sense, maybe the number of players will be more than the standard model. ”
“Will you invite new players to the team?” was another question asked “, ” It is my duty to see the players of different clubs. I will travel to Turkey to watch our Iranian players playing there. I have always tried to invite the best players who are in form to the camp. I have to invite players to the camp who understand my wishes,” continued Skočić, who spoke to Channel Five TV’s stadium program.

” I have to analyze and check all the issues before allowing a player to don a Team Melli jersey. I don’t think the presence of this number of players will harm the coordination of the team. I know a lot about the players. Every player who was invited had a reason. It is my duty to invite players I deem fit.”

Regarding why he is not happy compared to the past, Skočić said: ” One of the reasons is the rumors I keep hearing. I have spent my whole life in football. I try to keep a positive attitude all the time. Let’s look back at the qualification we accomplished. Look how much some outside elements wanted to knock us down. But now, I also have an internal dragon that has been active within the team. Ever since I took over the responsibility of the national team, you have seen the leadership instability that has been experienced in the football federation. Put the chaos of the squad next to the chaos of the federation administration, it will probably realize how much energy I had to put into controlling the team. It was a near impossible mission”

Regarding the meeting with the technical committee and if he is worried about the future, he said: ” I have not had a meeting with the technical committee. This is an unacceptable issue. If a technical committee believed there are shortcomings or problems in my work or the squad, they should have discussed it with me and listened to what is really happening to the team before they pass judgment. It is not right that they judge unilaterally. This is flawed judgment and inappropriate.” 

Skočić continued: ” I take responsibility for the team and I have accepted all the pressures. I have spent my whole life under the pressure of football and I emphasize that I take full responsibility for the team’s failures.  Just as you wrote the results of the previous matches in my name, write the results of the next games in my name. ”

On Team Melli’s tactics and style in the World cup against strong opponents ranked above Iran in the FIFA Ranking, Skočić said: “Be rest assured that I am not doing something childish. We will play each game aiming for a good result. We are not going to play 100% offensive football while not having anything to do with defense. We want to create balance in the team. We want to perform at our best. We have to attack and create opportunities in front of each of these teams and not just defend.”

Dragan Skočić said about the support given to him by Iranian football stars: ” After all, I am also human and you will feel good when you are supported and appreciated. I am trying to improve myself and I want to bear this pressure so that I can make the best thing happen for the Iranian national team. How many people talk about me without even knowing me and without any shred of evidence?  this is not acceptable at all. I can be much better if there is more support.”

Skočić answered a question about the selection of the captain: ” You are now dragging us to talk about rumors. The tradition is that the most experienced player is the Captain. Each of the national team players who wear the national team shirt must be a captain because they represent a nation. Definitely, and especially less experienced players should have this mentality.”

“Respect for values must be maintained by Team Melli players” says Yeke

In an interview with Mehr sports reporter, Morteza Yeke commenting on the current conditions of Team Melli these days, said: “Our football is going through difficult times. Every day we hear some sad news. I hope the management of the federation can fix this situation. ” The former Team Melli player continued: “The head coach of the national team should not allow players to dominate, he should have strong character and man management abilities in order to be successful in the World Cup.”

Criticizing the performance of the technical committee of the FFIRI, he said: “the so-called technical committee’s duties are clear and well defined. They should offer the best support for Team Melli, but unfortunately, we didn’t see any worthwhile action from the technical committee except for the sacking of Dragan Skočić, without offering the public any particular reason.”

Morteza Yeke expressed his regrets on the differences between the players of the national team: “Unfortunately, this has been happening in our football for several years. The player must know his limits. Understand why he is on the team and in what capacity. The jersey of the national team is sacred and should be worn by those who strive to serve the nation and work hard for the success of the national team, not to serve their self-interests.”  The Former Iranian football player also noted: “Now is not the time for differences. The opportunity is easily missed and with each passing day, we are getting closer to the World Cup. Therefore, the players should only focus on training hard to the start of the World Cup, any head coach should not allow the players to interfere in his work or comment on issues that do not concern them.”

“This trend is quite disturbing with Iranian players nowadays. Players who frequently protest at referees and get away with it, now dare to interfere with their coaches too”

Mehdi Taremi, from hero to villain!

From the moment it was announced that Adel Ferdosipour had interviewed Mehdi Tarimi and that this discussion was going to be broadcast in cyberspace, it was clear that some of his statements would become controversial, divisive, and might very well create friction in the team and fans for a long time. As much as Taremi’s value as a striker is undeniable, his controversial talking is harmful to himself! In this case, the predictions came true and some of the topics raised by Taremi became the center of attention, criticism, and various conflicting opinions. He has already managed to create divisiveness & sedition.

This player, who had taken a stand against Dragan Skočić, becoming the spokesman for some other players as well, questioned Skocic’s competence in a conversation with Ferdosipour. Taremi criticized the exclusion of and then the U-turn of Esteghlal players from the Team Melli camp and then claimed that in the past year, far too many players have been selected for Team Melli !, which is not a good thing to say. These statements had wide repercussions amongst the stakeholders in Iranian football, which were mostly negative.

Who are you, What position are you in?

Some of Tarami’s statements might be merited but some are not. But here, the criticism of the speaker is more important than the content of the speech. Basically, no player in the world’s professional football should give himself the right to openly and candidly take a position against the Coaching staff and particularly the Leader, the head coach.

If this issue becomes a normal procedure, no stone will be left unturned. It is really rare and rare that even the greatest players in the world of football have taken such positions against their coaches. You don’t see this behavior from Messi and Ronaldo either. Didn’t Paris Saint-Germain have a few failures? Have you ever heard Kylian Mbappe criticize his coach as the best player on this team?

The crossroads of Skocic.

Even if Tarami’s efforts to dismiss Skočić were successful, the story would not be over, because in this case, the next coach to take over, would have to be approved by him in order to survive. is that the correct thing for a football team? Skocic’s difficult dilemma is now on how to deal with the issue of Mehdi Taremi, and to a lesser extent Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Ehsan Hajsafi.  Dragan Skočić has now faced a big predicament. That he does not invite these players and significantly reduces the Team’s foundation in the World Cup, or that he pleads ignorance to the fact that there are players who don’t respect him and might spread the bad word in the camp.  in which case his authority will be questioned even more. All this could not exist if Tarami maintained his sense of responsibility and did not utter those unnecessary words.

Mehdi Taremi has proved through the few years that he has a behavior problem. His action on the field doesn’t reflect his age. His famous dismissal in the Champions League was when he kicked the ball away a few minutes after he was awarded a yellow card. This typified his immaturity and lack of emotional control. Despite his popularity amongst the Porto fans, Taremi is probably the most hated player in the Portuguese league. He is famous for his diving and deception of referees and is the subject of many reporters’ criticism for lack of sportsmanship.

Is Taremi an Asset or Liability?

Right now, looking at the picture, it looks like Mehdi Taremi is a risk and a dangerous element in the Team Melli camp. Thinking that he will change his attitude and mentality in a few days or months is simply impossible. He has a lot of grudge against Skočić starting from day one.  His exclusion from the team is not going to be disastrous for Iran with the presence of Sardar Azmoun to spearhead the offensive line. The problem is the exclusion of Jahanbakhsh.

In any case, Skočić must choose between discipline, values, and respect or act as if nothing has happened and call Taremi back in the hope of better things.

How is more valuable for team Melli?

A comparison table on the performance of Azmoun and Daei for reference

Sardar Azmoun Mehdi Taremi
Age 27 30
Club Bayer Leverkusen FC Porto
No of seasons in Europe 15 6
Foreign leagues Russia & Germany Qatar & Portugal
Games played 217 243
Goals scored 86 125
Yellow card 38 32
Red Cards 2 4
League title 3 1
TEAM MELLI
Matches 63 58
Seasons 9 8
goals scored 40 29
Yellow card 10 8
Red Cards 0 0

What should happen now in Team Melli.

Mirshad Majedi and the rest of the board members of the federation, after a long and winding meeting , decided on the status quo and that the incumbent head coach of Team Melli shall remain in charge up to the FIFA World Cup 2022 and beyond.

That was the best decision possible under the circumstances and taken for the sake of Team Melli with crucial days left up to the world cup. Majedi did not succumb to pressure exerted mainly by the Minister of Sport and some other elements who were influenced by a group of Team Melli players.

To be clear, the categorical refusal of Ali Daei to take over from Skocic despite several attempts or pleas, was the catalyst in Skocic’s survival. There were no alternative viable options and the conditions of Team Melli would have been disastrous if Skocic was sacked.

Despite reaching the wisest decisions possible by the FFIRI leadership, the problem with Team Melli is far from over. There must be action by the FFIRI to eliminate the rebels in the squad else these disruptive elements will make the Croat job impossible in Qatar. There is no doubt among many experts that some players will not be happy with this decision while some begrudgingly will tag along.

Hamid Estili’s position

The man that should support Team Melli’s coaching staff has taken a side and worked against Skocic. He was a member of the Technical Committee that decided that the Croat is not qualified as a coach of Team Melli.  Hamid Estili must accept his poor insight and should resign his post immediately to save face. Estili however, is a man of thousand faces and changes positions in a blink. He will try to weasel his way out of this situation, however, it is better for the federation to sack him from the job before he inflicts damage.

The rebel players.

Including the rebel players who are led by Mehdi Taremi in the squad for the World Cup is a serious risk. In addition to Taremi, there are players such as Karim Ansarifard, Ehsan Haj Safy, and Saeid Ezatollahi, with some mention of Alireza Jahanbaksh being in this rebellion group.

No doubt that Jahanbakhsh and Taremi are key players and getting rid of them could be a disadvantage to Team Melli. Their experience and abilities are undeniable, however, much depends on how Skocic will perceive these players and likewise the player’s comfort level with the coach, especially after some bad feelings made publicly by some of them.

It is a difficult formula and there must be a middle-of-the-road solution. Keeping all the rebel players is certainly a risk. From the track record,  Skocic does not score high in the discipline department. He is not like Daei or Queiroz both of who are no-nonsense coaches and have no time for indiscipline. So, controlling the rebels and their effect on the whole squad could be a difficult task for him. The leadership of the football federation must come to his support and coordinate with the coaching staff and in consultation with Karim Bagheri, who was an assistant coach until lately when Persepolis pulled him back,  should come up with the right decision.

One school of thought believes that some of the rebel players are dispensable and could be thrown out as an example to the rest, while the two most valuable of them should be kept under strict behavioral restrictions and maintained discipline. The reputation and name of Iran especially at such a level of competition are far greater than the interest of some players never mind what European league they are playing in.

If a player is selected to represent his country, he has no right to decide who the coach is and must give 100% to the team under whichever coach is appointed, period.

Team Melli needs a foreign coach at this time says Cheraghpour

A football expert says that Iran’s national football team currently needs a foreign coach.

In an interview with ISNA, Jalal Chiragpour, the former Team Melli Head Coach and veteran on Iranian football affairs, commented on the chaos surrounding Team Melli and the status of the bench particularly Skocic by saying ” First, we must follow logical reasoning for our conversation so that the reader can understand the situation well. Let us examine the issue from a technical and scientific point of view. In my opinion, the major problem lies with the decisions of the FFIRI Technical Committee which are neither scientific nor technical. This group of people, which now says that the Head Coach of Team Melli is not qualified, where were they in the last two and something years when Skocic took Iran to the World Cup? what criteria have they used to suddenly determine that he (Skocic) is not qualified? Did anyone see what reasoning they used? Did anyone question their logic or motives? Are there transparent and explicit requirements for the Team Melli coach?

He added: “The question remains that on that day when we were third in the group of five teams, we had lost to Bahrain and Iraq and there was a 70% chance of Team Melli being eliminated from Round 2, did this technical committee have the courage to determine right and wrong at that time?  They were nowhere near any type of decision. In any case, Skocic came and took the heavy burden off the ground and managed to lead the team to qualify for the World Cup. Now that the team has qualified comfortably and easily I might add, and is in a position where everyone knows who are the teams of its group, the technical committee raised its head. Those members of the technical committee, do not have the technical authority nor the qualification to say what is right or wrong.”

He added: ” Now they have decided that Skocic is not qualified!! Doesn’t that raise questions about the motives and authenticity of those people? in that scenario and after three games of the World Cup, the results of which are predicted. Who is the technical committee accountable to? They would say that we tried but it didn’t work. For these reasons, I say that the technical committee is not competent.  They lack authenticity, in any case, this technical committee does not have the authority to decide whether the Head Coach of the National Team of Iran should stay or leave. It is not in the term of reference and never was”.

Criticizing the management of the Football Federation, Chiragpour said: “The Federation should be helping solve national team issues such as preparation friendly games, camps that help improve the quality of the team, but it has failed in this responsibility. Their priority is the elections and who wins a seat. The delay by the Football Federation in determining the assignment of the national team’s bench with about 4 months before the Qatar World Cup is an example of their oversight.”

He added “It may be said that domestic coaches have the ability to qualify our national team for the World Cup. Well, let’s do this for the next World Cup and leave the work from zero to 100 to an  Iranian coach. Beware though, you have all witnessed the performance of the Iranian coach on the national team. “

“When a player was selected for the world team XI by FIFA,  the Iranian head coach of the national team at the time said that he was not convinced by the standard of that player and did not pick him for the national team. After that, that same player played in Europe for another 6 years and became the player of the century for Iran.”

Cheraghpour concluded: “the qualities and requirements of coaches differ in different disciplines. Wrestling is different from football. We are the leaders in the world in wrestling, but in football, we are ranked in the 50 countries in the world at best. For this reason, domestic wrestling coaches are considered among the top in the world, but it is not a reason that domestic football coaches have the necessary quality to lead the football team at the top international level. If you want to bring in a local coach, let’s do it immediately after the World Cup, when there is plenty of time for the next tournament. We also need to give that coach support moral and otherwise.” Chiragpour added: “At that point, you can prepare the team for the Iranian coach and let him work. But right now it is too late for these things. The new coach of the national team has practically only 17 days on the field to work with the team, not 110 or 120 days. On those 17 days, it is supposed to be an hour and a half of training, of which half an hour is warming up. A total of 17 hours are available to the next coach. On the other hand, Iran has a total of 6 players in a position like central defense, and everyone, from Nekonam to Queiroz and even members of the technical committee, will only invite those 6 players to the national team.”

Dragan Skočić continues as normal pending executive decision..

The status of the Team Melli coaching is still unclear as there was no executive decision issued on the sacking of the incumbent Dragan Skočić.

On Monday, the technical committee of the Football Federation, which is an advisory body,  met and called for the dismissal of Dragan Skočić as the head coach of the Iran national team. This decision, however, was not officially approved by the Board of the Football Federation. Majedi and the rest of the board members held a meeting with Skocic on Tuesday, and at the conclusion of this meeting, there was no decision made on the dismissal or continuance of Skocic’s work, as it was decided that this decision would be taken at the following meeting.

This issue even aggravated the differences between the technical committee and the board of directors. Skočić finally left Iran after presenting his case to the FFIRI Board of Directors, however, on his return to Europe, he had a meeting with a member of Team Melli.

A video of Skocic’s presence in Austria has been released, in which team Melli’s coach is discussing with Shahab Zahedi, the forward of the Hungarian club, Puskas Academy Zahedi, who was playing in Ukraine before the war, has joined the Hungarian team recently. The team has set up its pre-season camp in Austria.

Besides Zahedi, Skočić also held talks with the head coach of the Puskas team on the side of the football field. Zahedi was invited to Team Melli by Skocic for the first time.

As such. It seems that Skočić will continue to work as normal pending some decision by the FFIRI management.

for the time being until his assignment is officially determined by the federation.

Sardar Azmoun: “Dismissal of Skocic was an act of cowardice”

Team Melli’s central forward and its top active scorer did not munch his word in support of Head Coach Dragan Skocic.

“The dismissal of Skocic was an act of cowardice by the so-called technical committee (laughing).  What can I say? This action (the removal of Skocic by the technical committee) was the bottom of cowardice. There was one camp left until the start of the World Cup and these things are happening. Why do we keep on lying?  When Queiroz eventually left the country, there was only one person who went to the airport to bid farewell to him; He was also his driver. If we want to fire him, let’s do it right. Don’t be ungrateful.”

“Skocic was the man who took the national team’s hand in Bahrain and led the team to the World Cup. Ok, even if he is a bad person as some claim; at least show some grace and gratitude toward the man. Let’s say that his tactics were below zero, how is that possible while he lead us to qualification to the World Cup without any problems? what kind of logic these people are using?. We have to treat people who come from outside the country well. Even if Guardiola takes over now, we can’t do anything either, there was only one camp left until the World Cup.

Whether it is Skocic or Queiroz at the helm, it does not make a difference to me, I am here to stay with Team Melli, I am me. We have eight days of camp next. Do you think Guardiola can overturn the team’s tactics in these eight days? This was cowardice. I look at it from the point of view of humanity; This was cowardice.

 

Don’t be like many snake players!

Azmoun also criticized many players who were lobbying. Don’t be like many snake players! We were born as men and we must die as men. I hope the young players have a clean heart; If your heart is pure, you will reach everywhere. Don’t be like many snake players and don’t go underwater. Your heart must be pure, otherwise, you will not get anywhere. I spoke with Mehdi (Taremi) last night. We are always in touch. I said that I don’t like people who change their words at a whim, whether it’s my family or strangers. That’s why it’s better to avoid them; Why take the risk?

90% of Iranian players are full of bragging

Even if my head is put down, I will still speak out. I have to keep my word and be honest. 90% of Iranian player only claims. do not doubt that. Some did nothing yet claim a place in Team Melli as their right !!. We have this player who was not been invited by two national team coaches. How long has he been playing? Now he thinks that he is technically the best player in his post; No, my dear, you must be honest with yourself first and know that you are “locked” out because you are not what you claim. During Queiroz’s time, when I had a row before the World Cup in Brazil, I was honest with myself and said that I had no right to go to the World Cup because I played badly. I said this also crying. Don’t pretend by showing your body on Instagram, I’m not saying like me, but be honest with yourself and don’t pretend to be a game and post on Instagram and show your body. These do not help. If you are a man, show yourself and help the national team for the World Cup. Personally, I will do whatever it takes to fight for my country’s national team in the World Cup, no matter who the coach is.

Two players, claiming they are talking on behalf of the rest,  did not want Skocic!

The final part of the Azmoun talk was about allegations that one or two unnamed Team Melli players have spoken on behalf of the rest to officials regarding Skocic.  “I doubt that those two players talked about such a thing. But it is better to ask them directly so that there is no misunderstanding. I talked to one of those two people who doesn’t lie, He said that I didn’t talk about changing the coach at all. But there were other players who have spoken on our behalf, which is wrong and distasteful. One of our players said that the players don’t want this head coach, but we will speak our mind to him and solve this issue.”

Meanwhile, the executives of the Football Federation, in particular, the acting head Mirshad Majedi have yet to officially announce the sacking of Skocic. Majedi, who two weeks ago was talking about the extension of the contract of Skocic to beyond the AFC Asian Cup 2023 has remained tight-lipped and in negotiation with the Minister of Sports.

 

Ali Daei turns down Team Melli head coach post for the umpteen time.

After the drama of sacking Dragan Skocic and the theatrics of the FFIRI management, Ali Daei once again categorically refused to head coach Team Melli under current management and the shabby situation of the team.

Ali Daei, Javad Nekounam, and Amir Ghalenoui are the front runners to replace the sacked Team Melli coach to lead the team in difficult conditions in the 2022 World Cup, Among the candidates, Ali Daei was identified as the most suitable option.

However, the former head coach of Team Melli, who has been giving negative answers to all domestic and foreign offers for several years, was once again approached by the Football Federation, and once again he turned it down with an emphatic “No”.
One of the football federation officials confirmed Daei’s refusal in a conversation with Mehr reporter. “Daei has not agreed to replace Skocic in the current situation and has asked the officials of the football federation to consider this issue as finished and not to think about his presence on the bench of the national team.” Therefore, Ali Daei’s presence as the head coach of Iran’s national team in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is ruled out, and the football federation must look at its other internal options.

Daei seems to have learned his lesson and was wise enough to distance himself from this management and federation. The situation for Team Melli is critical and the chance of making a challenge for the two top spots in the group against the likes of England, Wales, and USA is becoming even more difficult now than before.

Daei knows very well that the lack of resources and leadership in Iran’s football plus the political interference from the government will make his task nearly impossible. The strong character of Daei and his fearless no-nonsense attitude will be impossible for the FFIRI and the government too.

Despite the pressure from a number of Team Melli players, the Ministry of Sports, and several members of parliament to reinstate Carlos Queiroz, the Football Federation strongly opposed his return to the bench of Team Melli. So that the head coach of the Iranian national team in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups has little chance to score a hat trick with minimal effort and lead Iran for the third time running in 2022.
The results of the Iranian national volleyball team with Behrouz Atai, the Iranian head coach of this team, caused the football federation to consider and maneuver the proposal of an Iranian coach who has the ability to gather the chaotic atmosphere the Team created by two partizan groups of players. The poor preparation and lack of international preparation matches on FIFA day, also frustrated many players as discontent is rife.

It seems that Mirshad Majdi, after consulting with some FFIRI Board Members has opted for a domestic option. Ghalenoui, like Daei, is also wise enough and cannot seriously entertain the idea of coaching Team Melli.

Javad Nekounam is the only other option. He lacks experience at the international level and has only been a coach for a few years. Despite the risks, it is believed that he will very well accept the challenge and hope for the best. The risk, however, is that a bad performance by Team Melli in Qatar or failure to qualify for the next round will ruin his reputiation career in coaching far too early in his career. He will also be the subject of the wrath of the fans.

Dragan Skocic is sacked.

After months of lobbying and pressure exerted from outside including the Minister of sport, despite the official denials, Dragan Skocic who managed to take Iran to the World Cup with immaculate results and recovery,  was officially sacked this evening.

According to the reports, a meeting of the technical committee of the FFIRI was held this Monday evening. This committee finally voted to dismiss Skocic; This follows the continuous and firm stand by the football federation that strongly dismissed the idea of sacking the present coach in the past days and weeks.

At the end of today’s meeting, Ebrahim Ghassimpour, a member of the technical committee of the Football Federation, confirmed Skocic’s dismissal but provided little justifications in this regard. Ghasimpour said:” Decisions were made today, the details of which will be announced on the website of the Football Federation. We reached a conclusion that the federation will announce!; We have both an Iranian option and a foreign option.”

In response to this question, is Skocic’s dismissal certain? He replied: “Yes. The technical committee did not confirm Skocic’s suitability (..). I can say this.”
Ghassimpour, in response to the question, why such a decision was not made much earlier? He said ” The federation did not refer the case of the suitability of Team Melli coach to us before. We didn’t confirm his appointment either, but we made suggestions about the next options, which can be both domestic and foreign”

According to Mehr reporter, Skocic was appointed to the bench of the Iranian national team on February 17, 2018 as a replacement for the Belgian Marc Wilmots, who put Iran on the brink of elimination from the World Cup qualifiers. The Croat Skocic managed a huge turnaround by winning 10 matches in a row and making it an easy job to qualify for the FIF World Cup 2022.

Iran under Skocic managed one official loss only 0-2 to South Korea in the World Cup qualifiers.