I am an offensive-minded coach, says Branko

AFC – LUNENG, Croatian Branko Ivankovic has hit back at critics who say he brings a defensive philosophy to his new club Shandong Luneng, of the Chinese Super League.

Ivankovic’s perceived reputation comes from his three years in charge of the Iran national team, who he coached until 2004.

However, the 56-year-old said his record with CSL table-toppers Shandong, who have scored 41 goals in 21 games, proves his teams can attack.

“That theory (about being defensive) was created by some media who wanted to destroy me despite the success I achieved in Iran,” Ivankovic told the-afc.com.

“I won 84 per cent of my matches in charge of Team Melli. I have always been an offensive-style coach.”

Shandong have 44 points in the CSL, six ahead of second-placed Shanghai Shenhua, who have scored 10 goals fewer.

“What do these statistics say? We scored 41 goals, much more than anyone else.”

Ivankovic took Iran to the Asian Games title in 2002 and to third place at the AFC Asian Cup 2004 in China. He was also in charge of Team Melli at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

He returned to Croatia after the Germany World Cup and led Dinamo Zagreb to the domestic double in 2007, highlighted by an 28-match unbeaten run.

The bespectacled Ivankovic took over from Ljubisa Tumbakovic at Shandong just before the start of the AFC Champions League 2010 competition but failed to steer the club past the group stages.

“The ACL started right at the beginning of my job here in Jinan,” he said. “I took over from an excellent coach but I have my own style.

“I tried to change the habits of the players and am looking at a new generation at this club.

“These things will take time. It is not easy to handle all the changes while playing in so many competitions.”