ASIANCUP2004 - Iran national coach Branko
Ivankovic has said that he is extremely likely to leave his position after
the conclusion of the Asian Cup 2004 and return to club management.
Speaking to FootballAsia.com, the Croat said that he is ‘99 per cent
certain’ that he will not be renewing his contract with the Iran Football
Federation after this tournament.
“My contract will be expiring in a month and I am not sure if I can continue
with the Iran team,” said Ivankovic.
“The decision is still in my hands and I will decide in the next few days
what I intend to do in the future. But I am 99 per cent certain that I will
finish with my contract.”
Ivankovic said that he intends to take a break from football before likely
returning to coaching, most likely at club level.
“I have had some offers from the Middle East but I want to take a break from
football first and enjoy some rest,” said the 50-year-old, who led Iran to
the semi-finals at this tournament, where they were eliminated in a penalty
shootout by China.
“If possible, I would prefer to coach a club again as I would like to work
with a team on a day-to-day basis instead of only meeting up with them at
most times for only one match in a month.”
Iran meet Bahrain in the Asian Cup 2004 third place playoff on Friday at the
Workers' Stadium in Beijing.
