‘Iran want to enjoy the 90 minutes of football’ : Carlos Quieroz

Goal – BENGALURU, Ahead of the Group D World Cup Qualifier encounter, the coach of Asia’s top side was not ready to concede an inch…

Iran are ranked 40th in the world in the latest FIFA rankings, a far cry from their opponent’s sub hundred position.

Yet, head coach Carlos Queiroz said that they were bracing for a challenge.

Interestingly the former Manchester United assistant manager has successfully roped in young players to compliment the experience in Team Melli, with the result that 14 of the 23 strong squad is below 25 years of age. Queiroz reasoned that the transition period in every team is very important.

“This transition period is very important for any side in football. Like everything in life, the players will learn and these players will play a key role in the WC 2018. Older players who are in their 30’s might retire by then, so it is important I develop these talents.. We are trying to move forward in a good balance. You got to trust yourself and he players that this is the right way to move forward,” he asserted.

He added that sometimes it is the youngsters who come up with new ideas and have a fresh approach to the game.

“I would say the youngest players in the teams are some of the players with more experience. They have a fresh and young attitude and bring stability to the squad. Without them we cannot move into this transition period. They are the young spirit of the team,” he reasoned.

When asked what one would expect from the powerhouses, the Portugese gaffer expected his team to not concede an inch while also enjoying themselves on the pitch.

“All games are different and difficult. What I expect from my team is the same attitude, fight for the ball, be quick and play good football. Just keep going and dont give up. When the show starts, we want to enjoy the 90 mins and when the game finishes boys should feel proud of themselves,” he signed off.