Legionnaires’ absence chance for the homeboys, says Ghotbi

Afshin Afshar, lastkick.com

Team Melli Coach Afshin Ghotbi spoke to reporters on Sunday ahead of the friendly against Bahrain.

The coach admitted that he does not know much about the Team Melli boogiemen. He added however that he is familiar with Bahrain Head Coach Milan Máčala’s tactical preferences. He added that because the Bahrainis are approaching the friendly against Team Melli to prepare for their WC 2010 Qualifier against Saudi Arabia, the match will have a competitive edge to it and that will help him and his staff a chance to measure their squad.

Iran does not have the services of its foreign based players for this friendly. Coach Ghotbi saw that as an opportunity for the home based players to show their worth.

The match will be played on Monday in Manama, Bahrain.