Queiroz: Tough but IR Iran ready for challenge
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Loading...AFC – TEHRAN, Carlos Quieroz admits winning the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 will be a tough challenge but the Islamic Republic of Iran head coach has vowed his team will be ready.
“My responsibility as a coach is to lead my team to our target. Our biggest challenge in the UAE is winning the title. We’ve not won the title since 1976,” the former Real Madrid coach said to the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran website.
Iran are in Group D alongside Iraq, Vietnam and Yemen and their first target will be to navigate into the knockout stage in UAE 2019 on January 5-February 1.
Queiroz acknowledged that Iran are always touted as favourites but said the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 will require huge commitment from his players.
“We had a good performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup but it will be very funny to say that to win the AFC Asian Cup title is easy. Don’t forget that Australia, Korea Republic, Japan and Saudi Arabia will be there and are favourites.”
Iran will open their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 campaign against Yemen on January 7 before playing Vietnam (January 12) and Iraq (January 16).
