Tehran Times - Persepolis head coach Branko Ivankovic has held a speech for the players who returned to the training after spending just one day in Team Melli’s training camp in Dubai.
The Croat said that the Reds are determined to win Iran Professional League (IPL) and AFC Champions League titles.
“I would like you to forget the recent incidents. I was against holding a training camp for Team Melli in this time of the year and I didn’t want to lose my players while we are in an intense competition in the league,” Branko said.
“We have passed a difficult first half of the season and now our goal is to win the IPL and AFC Champions League title. Nothing could stop us achieving our goals so we will make every effort to gain the two titles,” he added.
Branko criticized Queiroz for holding a useless five-day camp in the UAE because he will have not his six players in mid-season training and former Real Madrid coach has expelled the Persepolis players from the camp just one day in Dubai in response to the Croat’s allegations.
Team Melli, who is currently top of Group A in the Asia’s 2018 World Cup qualifying with 11 points, will take on Qatar on March 23 before facing China five days later.
Persepolis, who nearly missed the IPL title on goal difference last season, is currently at the top with 32 points from 15 games.