Comments on: And Iran’s new skipper is ………..

By: kia

kia — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:51:24 +0000

Good article on footballmedia.net:

http://www.footballmedia.net/articles.asp?id=2466

By: Afshin Afshar

Afshin Afshar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:46:51 +0000

If he is smart, he’ll start with a team of mostly veterans (since there is not time to rebuild) with a healthy mix of youth.

Our Europeans are either over the hill or injured. The only exception one is Ando, but he has never been a key player.

I’d take the back four we had against Syria, with Kaebi and Ando playing midfield. The rest is any body’s guess.

Remember Mahdavikia and Nekounam are out injured, and Hashemian is not coming. Rezaei is retired from international football. Although he has said he’d come back if asked. We’ll see.

By: kia

kia — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:09:19 +0000

You’ll see now, if he leaves Karimi out (even for good reason), everyone gonna say it’s because of bad blood and that he is causing personal difference come in his way of coaching! He’s gonna have a tough road ahead!

By: Afshin Afshar

Afshin Afshar — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:11:17 +0000

You are correct. It is a tough situation. Do not bank on Iran making it to the WC. But, if I was him, I would make team with a mix of good veterans (Mahdavikia, Hashemian, and Ando) and mix in some new blood.

I hope he leaves that primadona, Ali Karimi, out!

By: kia

kia — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:06:21 +0000

But there is not enough time for him before next couple games to make those changes and practice the new team together. And if we don’t get results imediately, he might not be there to make any changes. It’s no win situation….

By: Afshin Afshar

Afshin Afshar — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:59:26 +0000

Yep! I agree with you kia. In my opinion this is not the right time for him.

Let’s see what team he selects now. If he’s got courage, that I have no doubt he does, he will drop Karimi and a few other members of the over the hill gang and go with a young and new team who like him (during his playing time) are ready to give 100% every single minute of every single game.

By: kia

kia — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:47:09 +0000

He should have just concentrated on getting that FIFA youth job! More prestige, more organization, less politics!!!

By: kia

kia — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:41:33 +0000

“Although I am sure someone’s ass is lined up to serve the purpose once the next important decision comes along!”…

I’m affraid that would be next month, after we lose to Kuwait because Ali would not had enough time to do anything with the out of touch team and would not been able to prove himself in just one game!!!