Tehrantimes - Persepolis head coach Branko Ivankovic, whose team is just two points shy of the league leader Esteghlal, stated that he wants to win both Tehran derby and the league title.

“We had a poor start in the league but we are back then I told the media that we are one of the title contenders this season. Nobody takes it serious as we had earned just four points after six
weeks but now we have not lost in the past 18 weeks and we are two points behind the table toppers,” Branko said.

“We have very important games in front of us. Tehran derby against Esteghlal is such as the league final and we will try our best to win this match because nothing less than a win will not satisfy me. After a win in derby we will be close to win the league which is our main objective from the start of the season,” Branko added.

Former Team Melli head coach then talked about the chance of Iran national team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“I think Japan and South Korea are not at the top level anymore while Iran team has a new generation and their young squad could easily book a place in the World Cup finals,” the Croatian coach added.

Ivankovic revealed that he had an offer to coach Croatia national team but decided to remain at Persepolis.

“I had many offers while one of them was from Croatia Football Federation but I decided to remain at the biggest club in Asia with millions of fans. Current Croatia national team is one of the best during the last decade and I believe they are capable of winning the Euro 2016,” Branko added.