Exclusive Interview: Mustafa Denizli

For many years, Denizli had been coaching in the highest levels of football in Turkey and in Europe.

- He took Galatasaray SK to the semifinals in European Cup.

- In 2000, as Turkish national team head coach, he led his team to Euro 2000’s quarterfinals.

- He coached Turkey’s national team two different times, from 1987 – 88 and from 1996 – 2000.

- He coached the two great Turkish rivals of Galatasaray and Fenerbache at different times.  

Then, last year, Mostafa Denizli arrived in Iran and took over Pas. Pas came minutes short of reaching the semifinals of  the Asian Champions League.  

At 57, Denizli is experienced, confident and charismatic. He is also now the new head coach of one of Asia’s most historic clubs.

Days before the start of the new Iran’s Premier League (IPL), Kaveh Mahjoob had the opportunity to speak with him.

Coaching in Iran

Goal - What brought you to Iran?

Denizli – Honestly, last year, when I was first contacted by the Pas club to coach that team, I didn’t think I would accept. I thought that I would have a short trip, a couple of hours of courteous conversation and then I would return to Turkey.

In Tehran, I was very impressed with the people, their friendliness, their affection for football and also met other people that made me change my mind.  

How do you evaluate your last season with Pas?

When I went to Pas, the club was going downhill. The team had qualified for the Asian Champions League and it was important to make a good showing there. Through the course of the year, we managed to do well in Ithe Iranian Pro League (Pas finished second) and entertained our fans.        

My teams had played in the European and Cup Winners Cups but playing well in the Asian Champions League was also important. I believed that we could reach the final but we ran into a bad luck and exchanged a victory for a tie with Al-Ain. As a result we were eliminated.

Asian Football vs. European Football

We know that there exists a big gap between Asian and European footballs. As it relates between the two continents’ premier club championships, what are your thoughts?

 There is no doubt that there is a huge gap between the two competitions. Europe’s Champions League is one of the most enduring, difficult and competitive world tournaments. To compare the two competitions, I’d suggest you evaluate the quality of football played by Asian nations vs. Europeans in this past world cup. Compare how Iran or Japan played and faired vs. the Europeans.

That comparison would provide a good gauge of gap in football between the two continents. The same parallel exists in the club level.  

How much did you know about Iran and Asian football before you came to Iran?

We knew popular Iranian and Asian clubs and through world cups, about the Asian national teams and players. Over the last year and through the Asian Champions League, I have a lot more understanding of Asian football.  

 I am assuming you observed Iran in the world cup. It seems to me that Iran played slower than her opponent in every game. What is your observation?

When looking at Iran’s football, both at club and national team levels, you can see the speed and the tempo of the games are slower than other football countries. We have tried to change this deficiency. In Pas, we made efforts to speed up the tempo, moving the players with and without the ball and in general playing a more fluid game.

Here in Perspolis, we will work with the players to increase their speed and the speed of the game to bring Perspolis closer to international standards.  

Coaching Philosophy

What is the style of Denizli’s team? 

My ideal team is one that attacks and defends as a group. We attack as a block and defend as a block. Players would need to be able to play in small pockets, be quick and move quickly. Players will be utilized in positions were they are most productive.   

What is your favorite formation?

Every coach has his own favorite formation and style of play. I like to use three forwards. Football is an enjoyable and a fun game. Playing an attacking football helps to engage the fans, excite them and also get results.

Having said that, a coach can not just simply limit his team to the formation and style he likes. Events of the game modify thinking and you have to adopt. Your players’ abilities in general and how they play in that specific moment vs. how the opposition is playing against you would dictate counter moves.

I prefer a 3 – 4 – 3  or a 4 – 3 – 3 formation however as stated, other factors may change decisions during the course of the match.  

If you were Iran’s national team head coach, how much would you have counted on the foreign based players?

This is not just Iran’s challenge. All football countries have their stars play elsewhere. They manage to get their foreign-based players in synch with the rest of the team in short periods. Iran should be able to adopt as well.  

How are the Iranian players when it comes to football fundamentals?

Iranian players are not that far behind in fundamentals. There is a great deal of talent and Iran has many good young players. Iranian players are behind in the area of playing the game as a team. They need to improve their abilities to contribute to the team’s success vs. playing as individuals.  

In football, what are the three principles of success?

Working hard, establishing discipline and believing in yourself and your teammates.  

Moving to Perspolis

Why would you return to Iran for another season?

I had offers from several Iranian clubs. Perspolis is hungry for success. It is a team with scores of fans and in every city that the club plays, it has a lot of support.

With Pas, I had a very good team but the “fan factor” was missing. That is very important in football.

The IPL season is about to begin. What is your evaluation of Perspolis?

I can’t speak much about it as I have been here for a short time. The first goal is the final match of the “Hazfi (Elimination) Cup” where the winner advances to the Asian Champions League. The potential to do so was a factor in my decision to come to Perspolis.

It doesn’t matter how we start the season. What is most important is how we end the season. We have had several players away with the national team (to play Korea and Syria) but we have to build the team.

Expectations are always high of Perspolis. You pointed out the fans and those RED fans always demand the championship. What is your response to that?

They need to be patient with us. We will make them pleased with the team, our style of play and the outcome of this season.  

Quick Q & A

Of all the teams you coached, which experience was your best?

Galateseray in 1989 and how we played in European Cup and the Turkish national team of 2000 (Turkey made it to the quarterfinals).  

Would you prefer to coach in the club level or coach or the national team?

Overall the club level. Coaching in the national team level is usually a short experience. A coach can’t teach fundamentals and work with long term plans. One can’t coach for more than 3 or 4 years in a national team. Once you coach a national team for a long time, you tend to lose that needed extra excitement, the “killer instinct.” At the club level, it is possible to plan long term and execute accordingly.  

As long as you coach in Iran, people will always consider you as a national team head coaching candidate. What is your reaction to that statement?

Serving as a national team head coach is a great honor for any coach.  

Do you have a message for Iranian football fans?

I love the Iranian people and am pleased to work in this country. To Perspolis fans, my message is that this year, we will bring you joy.