Persepolis was where Daei made a name for himself as Iran’s best finisher and from the Reds of Tehran, Daei eventually ended up in Germany where he played for Arminia Bielefeld, Bayern Munich and Hertha BSC.
Years later, Daei returned to Persepolis before finishing his playing career at Saipa.
Along the way, Daei became the world's all time leading goalscorer in international matches scoring 109 goals for Iran’s national team. After a successful period as coach of Saipa, leading the club to the 2007 Iranian title, Daei was chosen as Iran’s national team head coach.
At Team Melli, Daei experienced his first major professional setback as his team fell back during the 2010 world cup qualifying matches and ultimately with three games to go Daei was fired. Ghotbi replaced Daei but Iran failed to qualify.
Months later, Daei is now a midseason replacement for former Croatian’s head coach Zlatan Kranjar who was struggling at Perspolis.
Goal -You have several key injuries in your line-up. How do you feel about the current state of the squad?
Daei -We are practicing as planned and the players are very much motivated. We need to prepare with our key players like Bagheri, Rezai and others.
Before your arrival, it was common to read players complain about their teammates, lack of playing time and other gripes. We don’t hear and read much about such complains?
We (the team) are a family. In every family, you would have differences of opinions. For a given match, I can only select 18 players and at most 14 would play. We have many matches between now and end of the season as well as the Hazfi (Elimination Cup). There will be a lot of opportunities.
I respect all the coaches and each has his own game plan. When I played in Europe, wherever I played, players knew in advance about their schedule, when was the time to practice, to play and to rest. I gave written programs to all the players.
You want to bring Havar Mola Mohammad (Iraqi national team forward) back to the team. How about Wesley Brazilia?
We want all of our players. As for Wesley, the club first has to resolve disciplinary issues with him as he reported late to the club. As for Havar, he is a good player and I will be evaluating his condition and once his issues with the club (disciplinary) are resolved, then we will use him.
Perspolis has difficulties in scoring goals. What do you plan to do to solve this problem?
I don’t think we have such a challenge. We have several of Iran’s best forwards. We have the players but have to rethink tactics and game plans for them.
Coaches need time to succeed but you don’t have much of that as you are in the middle of the season.
I came here to bring the team back into contention and take higher in the standings where the name of Perspolis deserves to be. I am not looking for excuses. When I took the coaching job, I knew about the quality of the players. Fans expectations are understandably high and we need to meet them.
What is your goal for the Premier and Hazfi Leagues?
Our goal is to place higher than third (top three clubs qualify for Asian Champions League) and win the Hazfi League (the Hazfi champion will receive an automatic birth to Asian Champions League).
Last question. What is your opinion
about the national team’s recent performances and Afshin Ghotbi’s work?
I have nothing to say about the national team except to wish the team the very best.