Carlos Queiroz warns that Iran is far from the required level

Observador – GRAZ, Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said after a 2-1 victory over Algeria that the domestic Iranian players are still far from the level required for a World Cup.

Iranian coach Carlos Queiroz said on Tuesday after a 2-1 win over Algeria that Iranian players playing in the country are still far from the level required for a World Cup. “I will probably surprise you and even shock you, but these two games (with Tunisia and Algeria) have clearly demonstrated that we are far, and not near the level of the World Cup, in terms of speed, and individual duels. I know some people will not like it, but I do not care, “said Carlos Queirós after his side beat Rabah Madjer’s side 2-1 in Graz in Austria.

After thanking the former European champions FC Porto and the Algerian Federation for “fantastic opportunity to learn, evolve and prepare for the World Cup”, the Portuguese coach went on the attack and considered that “it is time to take decisions because tomorrow will be too late”. Queiroz said he did not know if there is a magic formula to reduce the delay of 40, 50, 60 years that the selection of Iran has for Spain and Portugal, but called for a quick decision by the heads of the Federation and the Iranian Government.

“There is only one way to do this, to put the players in a special environment, inserted in a training program. We only have 40 days for the World Cup. It’s time to make decisions. Tomorrow will be late. National competitions, the League, even the Champions League (Asian) are not enough for our local players. Anyone who says we’re ready is lying,” said Carlos Queiroz, who gave the example of Saudi Arabia, which prevented players from aligning their clubs to participate in a preparation stage for the World Cup. According to the former Portuguese coach, the decision to take is not in his hands, but it is his duty to warn those in charge that the time has come for “all or nothing” because the Iranian players who line up in Iran must undergo a special training under his guidance.

“If we do not do this we will not have any chance at the World Cup. Fifty percent of the players of the national team train and play in Iran. It is now up to the President of the Federation, the presidents of the clubs, the Minister of Sports to make a decision. What is important, the national competitions or the World Cup, “asked Carlos Queiroz. Addressing the direct participation of Iran in Group B of the World Cup, which includes as opponents the selections of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, Carlos Queiroz was clear: “What do you expect with Morocco, a dance? Do you think we are going to dance the waltz with Portugal and Spain? No, it’s not going to be an opera concert, it’s going to be more rock’n’roll, you have to jump and fight a lot. ”

“We will need players with speed, shock power, able to win bids shoulder to shoulder and we must be able to do this, not over and over again, but whenever necessary in the game. Our defenders have to be able to jump 10 times against (Cristiano) Ronaldo, otherwise they will not have any chance “warned Carlos Queiroz. Iran’s side lost 1-0 to Tunisia on Friday and defeated Algeria 2-1 on Tuesday to prepare for World Cup 2018 in Russia on 14 June and 15 June. July.

The Portuguese and Iranians are opponents in Group B of the final phase of the 2018 World Cup in Russa. They will be facing each other on the 25th of June in Saransk. Prior to this meeting, Portugal will face Spain on June 15th in Sochi, whilst Iran and Morocco lock horns on June 20th in Moscow.