TEHRANTIMES - Persepolis coach Manuel Jose said on Monday that he cannot improve his team, which performed poorly last season, saying he is “not a magician”.

“We are going to beat Sepasi in our second match in Iran Professional League but I am sad because the Persepolis spectators are barred from attending the match. You know, football without fans is like a food without salt,” Jose said.

“Persepolis bagged a victory last week against Sanat Naft in Abadan despite playing in that climate (hot and humid). We only played with 40 percent of our power,” the 66-year-old Portuguese coach said.

“I have been here just 15 days and it takes time to change the players. I am not a juggler or a magician. Persepolis has so many experienced players and I am happy to work with them,” he said.

“Persepolis started its training late but we could win the title. We have to work hard. Persepolis needs its fans’ support,” Manuel Jose added.