GOAL - Who will be the man to lead Team Melli through the last three games of qualification for the 2010 World Cup? Goal.com investigates...
Negotiating your way through the minefield that is the Iranian Football Federation’s (IFF) selection for the next national team coach is like dealing with the nightmare Tehran traffic – just when you think you are getting somewhere, you turn a corner and it all starts again.
As everyone knows, Ali Daei was fired by the IFF after the recent 2010 World Cup qualifying loss at home to Saudi Arabia.
That leaves Iran languishing in fourth place in their qualification group.
The identity of the next coach seems to grow less clear by the hour.
Goal.com takes a quick look at the main candidates but would also like to point out that the IFF, seemingly caught in two minds or more, is more than capable of appointing a coach that few had thought of.
The Candidates
Nelo Vingada
For: He is Portuguese and if it has worked for Saudi Arabia, then perhaps it could work for Iran. He has experience in West Asia and is currently in charge of Persepolis. Since arriving at the club, he has managed to introduce a sense of calm and stability into what was a chaotic situation. He has also been doing relatively well so far in the Asian Champions League.
Against: Results domestically with Persepolis haven’t been great and he didn’t really impress in his last national team coaching position with Jordan.
Afshin Ghotbi
For: Still the frontrunner just, this man has experience in Korea (which is important for the last two games), is seen as a motivator, is currently free, won the Iranian title last season with Persepolis and is the overwhelming choice of the fans. Only 2,000 went to Azadi to watch last week’s Senegal friendly but most of them chanted for the 45-year-old.
Against: Less head coaching experience than the others. He has more support in the federation than in the past but still perhaps not enough, and a recent interview with the BBC upset some in high places.
Mayeli Kohan
For: Has supporters in the IFF and is seen as a safe choice. He has coached the Iranian national team before and is currently in charge of Saipa.
Against: Reportedly wants a two-year contract when Ali Kafashian is looking to hand out just a three-game deal. Is not the choice of the fans and is seen by some as a step backwards at a time when Iran need a big kick up the backside.
Mahmoud Yavari
For: Experience. Not only was he the assistant coach back at the 1978 World Cup, he has seen everything there is to see in Iranian football and even led the national team for a while in the eighties.
Against: He’s old and at 71, does he have the energy to go jetting around the giant continent with there games in the space of ten days? Is currently the coach of Rah Ahan and hasn’t achieved much in recent years.
Amir Ghaleneoi
For: Has lots of experience in the Iranian league, is doing well with Esteghlal this season and, after his recent spell with the national team, a short-term contract wouldn’t bring much of a culture shock.
Against: Few fans would welcome his appointment and even fewer have happy memories of his last spell in charge.
Phillipe Troussier
For: Lots of experience in Asia with Japan and Qatar, and his name always comes up when there is a national team job to be had.
Against: His name always comes up when there is a national team job to be had.
John Duerden
Asia Editor
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