HSV trainer vows to keep Mahdavikia on team roster for next season

IRNA - Hamburger SV coach Thomas Doll has pledged that he will not punish Mehdi Mahdavikia for refusing to transfer to another team by sorting him out of next season's team roster.

Referring to the situation of two former HSV starters - goalie Martin Pieckenhagen and Mahdavikia - Doll told the kicker sports magazine on Monday, "Both have a contract and we are accepting that.

We have not sorted out anyone."
Doll was quoted as saying last week that Mahdavikia has no "great perspectives" at Hamburger SV, if he chooses to stay with the north German Bundesliga club.

Hamburg's team management has put up the speedy Iranian right winger for sale, citing his poor performances last season.

Mahdavikia has repeatedly rejected what he termed a "forced transfer".

Asia's Player of the Year 2003 has struggled all season to land a starting place with Hamburg despite his superb performances with the Iranian national team in their Asian World Cup qualifying bid.