Speaking at Tehran’s International Media Conference Mohajerani, who coached Team Melli from 1976-1978, told reporters that the low quality of the Iranian domestic league does not leave many options for Ghotbi.
Mohajerani is worried that this will force the former Persepolis boss to stick with veterans who may be past their prime.
“In the first thirteen rounds of the league competition so far, we have not seen any outstanding young players; based on that, I must admit that Ghotbi has a tough road ahead towards the Asian Championships” said Mohajerani.
“Iranian football is like a building that looks nice from the outside, but everything in it is in bad shape!”
Iran were eliminated from qualifcation for the 2010 World Cup in June.
“I think Ghotbi should be very careful to not over promise. He should start putting his short, mid, and long range plans and goals together. With teams like Australia, Japan, South Korea, and even Saudi Arabia, and a few others winning the Asian Championship will be very difficult”
Afshin Ghotbi Has Much To Ponder
The veteran coach believes that Asia’s smaller football nations like Bahrain, Jordan, and UAE have significantly closed the gap, and to win championships Iran must put a cohesive talent development plan together.
Mohajerani who is 73 years old, is planning to open a youth football academy in Iran.
Afshin Afshar