Queiroz has ‘harsh words’ for Maradona

GOAL – DUBAI, Al Wasl coach Diego Maradona says Iran boss Carlos Queiroz spoke harshly towards him after rejecting his request to release Mohammed Reza Khalatbari from international duty for Sunday’s Persian Gulf Club Championship final second leg against Al Muharraq.

Maradona had hoped the Iran international, who scored the winner in Team Melli’s opening 1-0 away victory over Uzbekistan, would be available for selection in Dubai.

However, Queiroz rejected his request, as Iran prepare for Tuesday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier at home to Qatar.

“I called Carlos personally to request him for the release of this player for this game but he flatly refused and had some very harsh words at me. This was uncalled for,” Maradona told reporters ahead of the second leg.

Al Wasl had won the first leg of the decider 3-1 in Bahrain without Khalatbari but the Argentine boss insisted the tie isn’t over yet.

“We will play as if we don’t have any advantage. If we think we have a lead and could relax, that would be inviting trouble. So we will take this as a fresh game and try to win,” he said.

“I think we deserve to end this season with a trophy after all the frustration we have been through.”