To call Ali Daei an asset in Iranian football , is probably an understatement . He is in the small group of players that have put Iran’s name on the world football map. Players like him, Ali Karimi , Mahdavikia of the current generation of footballers , are the flag bearers of this country’s football . Yet , like a clockwork , they seem to stumble and fall at some stage and for varying reasons…..what is it in this football culture that cannot maintain, nourish and develop its prime assets the way he Europeans do?
Ali Daei transformation from a player to coach was swift , spectacular at some stage ( when he won the league championship with Saipa) and then it turned sour with Team Melli after his single yet important defeat , and now his resignation from Perspolis following an unprecedented 5 matches defeats.
Is it that a reflection of his technical ability ? does he lack the skills required for a coach ?
Is it the passion that overtakes his brain?
Many would claim that Daei’s failure is due to the pace of his progress in coaching. Daei seems to accept responsibilities that are too hot to handle like Team Melli and Perspolis. Perhaps, there is an element of truth in it, but then again, there are always several contributory factors for failures.
In my humble opinion, I think Daei had spent far too much energy on side issues rather than channeling this energy and his thoughts towards his job which was coaching. His overzealous attitude and the sense indestructibility, supremacy, clout and invincibility was sometimes misguided and gave him a false sense of security. A touch of arrogance was brewing within which I believe contributed to his downfall.
There was nothing I regretted more than when observing Daei blaming the referees and everything else for his team defeats. GRTANTED , every Iranian coach does that religiously as if it is written in some holly book!! but for a guy who has been a professional and played his football in one of the most organized and disciplined leagues , it simply was unacceptable behavior. We expected much more in terms of professional conduct and class from Daei. There was hardly a match and a defeat that was NOT blamed on the referee!!
His demeanor in public with permanently irritated and angry face, even when his team was scoring, made even his most passionate and avid supporters quite nervous. Daei lacked grace under pressure. Perhaps down deep inside , there was shades of under-confidence and fear of failure. Of course this was in contrast to his courageous and fearless character who would not shy from a battle on or off the field, has the guts to introduce young players at international level , has the bravery to stand for his and his players rights or follow causes against all the odds.
Whatever other factors are there, I believe that Daei lacked professionalism and proper guidance in management. He does not lack technical skills to execute his duty, it is the manner that he handles his job that seems to be suspect. He is still an asset and people like him should not be simply discarded due to a stumble here or there. He should learn from his mistakes and bounce back.
Ali Daei transformation from a player to coach was swift , spectacular at some stage ( when he won the league championship with Saipa) and then it turned sour with Team Melli after his single yet important defeat , and now his resignation from Perspolis following an unprecedented 5 matches defeats.
Is it that a reflection of his technical ability ? does he lack the skills required for a coach ?
Is it the passion that overtakes his brain?
Many would claim that Daei’s failure is due to the pace of his progress in coaching. Daei seems to accept responsibilities that are too hot to handle like Team Melli and Perspolis. Perhaps, there is an element of truth in it, but then again, there are always several contributory factors for failures.
In my humble opinion, I think Daei had spent far too much energy on side issues rather than channeling this energy and his thoughts towards his job which was coaching. His overzealous attitude and the sense indestructibility, supremacy, clout and invincibility was sometimes misguided and gave him a false sense of security. A touch of arrogance was brewing within which I believe contributed to his downfall.
There was nothing I regretted more than when observing Daei blaming the referees and everything else for his team defeats. GRTANTED , every Iranian coach does that religiously as if it is written in some holly book!! but for a guy who has been a professional and played his football in one of the most organized and disciplined leagues , it simply was unacceptable behavior. We expected much more in terms of professional conduct and class from Daei. There was hardly a match and a defeat that was NOT blamed on the referee!!
His demeanor in public with permanently irritated and angry face, even when his team was scoring, made even his most passionate and avid supporters quite nervous. Daei lacked grace under pressure. Perhaps down deep inside , there was shades of under-confidence and fear of failure. Of course this was in contrast to his courageous and fearless character who would not shy from a battle on or off the field, has the guts to introduce young players at international level , has the bravery to stand for his and his players rights or follow causes against all the odds.
Whatever other factors are there, I believe that Daei lacked professionalism and proper guidance in management. He does not lack technical skills to execute his duty, it is the manner that he handles his job that seems to be suspect. He is still an asset and people like him should not be simply discarded due to a stumble here or there. He should learn from his mistakes and bounce back.
Comment