Coach Ghotbi talks to reporters in Qom

Team Melli Coach Afshin Ghotbi was in city of Qom over the weekend to watch the match between home team Saba and Pas of Hamadan.

In a brief conversation with reporters he talked about Iranian football in general and a bit about Team Melli.

“This is the best time for us to start building a strong National Team” said Ghotbi. “Along the same goals we are looking for a new generation of players who have what is necessary to become international players, and what club they may come from is irrelevant”

“I guarantee you that as far as the Team Melli coaching staff is concerned there is no difference between Perspolis or Esteghlal (The two most popular clubs in Iran. Ghotbi coached Per5spolis for over a year). We must focus on increasing the quality of the game amongst our 18 top league teams” The coach continued “Strong clubs and a competitive league help build a strong national side”

He then went on to praise the Qom football officials for improving the quality of the city and club’s football facilities.

When asked to predict a mid-season champion, Ghotbi declined and said that it was too early for predictions.

The home team defeated the guests 2-1.