Afshin Ghotbi @ Buriram United 2016/17

[persian-eagle-13]

the biggest boost he got was taking over Persepolis and winning the league. I said this many time before that Persepolis team would have won the league regardless who was the head coach, everyone in the team was playing their best football that season. that championship really make ghotib look good and he went off with it and robbed everyone. and now it is showing that it was not his doing and pure luck on his part to be in the right place and the right time.

[aenima_8]

Former S-Pulse manager warns Japan needs cautious approach against Thailand

Japan must approach Thailand with caution and be wary of its crafty tactics in Tuesday’s Group B match in the final round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, says former Shimizu S-Pulse manager Afshin Ghotbi.

Japan arrived in Bangkok after a controversial 2-1 defeat at home United Arab Emirates on Thursday, while Thailand put up a brave fight before succumbing to a late penalty in a 1-0 defeat in its group opener away to Saudi Arabia.

Ghotbi, who has experience managing in Thailand at Premier League champion Buriram United, also believes Japan’s experience in major international competition will give it the edge, but says Thailand will not be easy to beat on its own turf.

“Thai players are generally technical, dynamic and physically and mentally strong. Due to the nature of Thai football, the Thai players also possess the gamesmanship qualities (i.e. winning fouls, wasting time, etc.),” Ghotbi told Kyodo News by email.

“Everything is possible in international football. The gap continues to shrink between nations and the race for the World Cup is more exciting for the fans.

“For all the teams competing for World Cup spots, the key will be taking maximum points at home. Thailand will be a difficult team to beat at home, and Japan must approach the game with caution,” the former Iran coach said.

Ghotbi said that one advantage the Thais do have is that the main players on its squad play for the same club side, Muanthong United FC, where former S-Pulse defender Naoaki Aoyama also plies his trade.

“The Thai national team lacks the experience at the global stage to compete with the best in Asia such as Japan,” Ghotbi said. “The majority of Japanese national team players compete in the European leagues, giving them an edge on many levels compared to the Thai players who compete in the Thai Premier League.

“One small advantage for the Thai national team may be that the main players are on the same club side Muanthong United FC, so they train and play together throughout the year.”

Thailand striker Teerasil Dangda is the danger man that Japan must keep a watchful eye on, said Atsuo Ogura, the international marketing and sales manager at TPL club Chonburi FC.

“Teerasil plays for the same team as Aoyama and according to Aoyama he is on a different dimension in every department. He could more than hold his own even in the J. League,” Ogura added.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2...inst-thailand/

[teammelli91]

^ I'm actually a fan of Ghotbi, but out of sheer fun..



What, does Ghotbi know Japan like the back of his hand too?

[pres80]

I remember I liked him when he was TM coach but then I felt kind of like he conned us all. He doesn't know what he is doing and he is just somewhat charismatic when he talks.

[Z Joon]

We had many, many coaches for TM. But only one knew Korea like the palm of his hand, who was that?

[TheBoss]

Ghotbi was/is a fluke who got lucky

[04041374]

Afshine Emperator is new coach of Shijanzhuang Ever Bright from China. They relegated this year.

http://es.superligachina.com/afshin-...jiazhuang-3902

[AIrani]

Ghotbi is surviving and getting jobs. He has made good money and invested some of the money in the USA for retirement. Ghotbi is an opportunist and a bit lucky person. I knew he won't take Iran to WC and said it in another thread and website.

Ghotbi will get other offers.