Branko Ivankovic on Persepolis radar: report

Tehran Times – TEHRAN, Former Team Melli coach Branko Ivankovic is on the verge of returning to Iran after reports in the local media suggested that the Croat coach will replace Hamid Derakhshan as Persepolis coach.

Sources close to the Reds told ISNA that the club’s officials will have a meeting in Turkey on Monday with Ivankovic to finalize the deal.

Persepolis coach Hamid Derakhshan is under real pressure after earning just three points from the last five matches. After winning against arch rival Esteghlal in the 15th round of IPL, Persepolis failed to get a win in five consecutive matches, losing all of them.

Ivankovic and former Persepolis coach Afshin Ghotbi are among the candidates to replace Derakhshan.

Derakhshan, who replaced Ali Daei in September 2014, has a 35.39% winning record in 17 matches (6W, 4D, 7L).

Branko who arrived in Iranian football in 2001 as Miroslav Blazevic assistant, led Team Melli to 2006 World Cup as head coach.