Former footballer calls for Iranian coach for national team

IRNA - Popular ex-footballer of Iran, Khodadad Azizi, has called for the presence of an Iranian coach for the national soccer team.

He noted that the period of contract is one of the problems currently hindering Iranian coaches.

"Iranian coaches usually sign a contact for one year while the contract for foreign coach is two years," he added.

"In my opinion, the best choice for the next coach is the previous Iran's national team coach, Amir Qalenoei," he said, adding, "Although I'm one of his critics, I think if more opportunities were given to him, he could succeed."
He added that the second problem hindering more Iranian coach is the interference of those who are not familiar with sports.

"Football Federation is going to sign a contract with a foreign coach," he stated.

Earlier the 57-year-old Clemente agreed to coach Iran's national succor team after having managed national squads of Spain and Serbia.

Iran is trying to qualify for its second straight World Cup. It is in qualifying group with Kuwait, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.