Nekounam says no rift with Ghotbi

MNA – TEHRAN, Iran football captain Javad Nekounam denied ever being at odds with coach Afshin Ghotbi in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.

Iran lost to South Korea 1-0 in the quarterfinal round of the event and failed to put an end to Iran’s 35-year title drought in the tournament.

Reports said there had been a major disagreement between the Osasuna midfielder and Ghotbi. “I didn’t have any problem with Ghotbi. I just focus on football and I don’t pay attention to gossip,” Nekounam said.

“From now on we have to think about the future. Iran lost to South Korea and this is a reality of football. We got to forget the loss,” he added.