PLDC - Esfahan, In Zob Ahan vs Esteghlal's post-match press conference in Fooladshahr, Amir Ghalenoei spoke against Adel Ferdosipour, the host of the popular football TV show called '90'.

Ghalenoei claimed, "It was a quality game. Those who want quality in our football should watch this game. Do not doubt that those who talk about the quality of the matches want to trash Ghalenoei (referring to himself in the third person). We have lost three matches so far this season and all three were because of the referees. Today, he (referee) didn't call two obvious penalties for us."

One of the reporters at the press conference asked Ghalenoei why he thinks that some of the media is against his team, and the Esteghlal coach responded, "If I was the chairman of Esteghlal, I wouldn't allow even one second of our matches to be aired on '90'. This TV show wants to sweep our society's problems under the rug. But later on, it will be clear exactly how this show has betrayed our football."

He continued, "Yes, it is true that Shirini (caretaker/ manager of Persepolis) is fairly new to football. But someone should ask Ferdosipour what previous football experience did he have 15 years ago when he was chosen as the host of '90'. These guys (referring mainly to Ferdosipour) are unfairly beating up on me. If we tie, then they say the quality of the match was low. If we win, then they say we played closed and traditional. And if we lose, then they say we were weak. These guys will destroy Iran's football."

Ghalenoei also said, "I feel sorry for many coaches who are willing to have their reputation and character played with, just to appear on this show (90) for a few minutes. This gentleman (Ferdosipour) interviews players that speak badly about me, and if a player praises me then he gets cut off right away. The fact is that if you're not part of their circle, they will label you 'mafia' (referring to Ferdosipour again)."

He also spoke about his club's financial situation and added, "I will be frank and admit that my team has no money. This year we put our team together with only 3 billion tomans. Many of our players still haven't been paid for last season, and they don't request their money because of their love for Esteghlal."

By: Arman Tamjidi