Tehran Times - Persepolis head coach Branko Ivankovic wished Iran national football team all the best in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
Team Melli left Tehran on Monday to hold a training camp in Doha, Qatar as part of preparation for the Asian Cup.
Carlos Queiroz’s will meet Qatar on Dec. 31 in a friendly match before they leave for the UAE for the continental showpiece.
“I've been always a big fan of Team Melli and I wish them all the best in the AFC Asian Cup. Team Melli’s success is my success too. Iran national football team doesn’t belong to a special person, Team Melli is for all Iranian people,” Ivankovic said.
Ivankovic and Queiroz engaged in verbal warfare from the last year following mismanagement of Team Melli’s preparation programs.
“I want to emphasize once again, Persepolis club, our fans, coaching staff, players and me will support Iran national football team. Please don’t ask me about Team Melli from now on because my answer is clear,” Ivankovic said.
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Iran national football team are the only team in the history of the competition to win thrice successively from 1968 - 1976. But since then they have not been able to win it for the fourth time.
Team Melli have been drawn with Iraq, Vietnam and Yemen in Group D.