Shahrokhi says will serve football by all means

IRNA - Homayoun Shahrokhi, the acting head coach of Iran's national soccer squad, said he serves the society like a soldier, adding that he undertook the responsibility due to his devotion to sports and football. Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday, the newly-appointed manager added: "To me, discipline and honesty are principles of all tasks and I apply these two for managing the national side." Touching upon the invitation of 41 players to the national camp, Shahrokhi said: "Putting national prestige into consideration, Hossein Faraki and I picked up the players and our selection was based on meritocracy.
"Picking up the players is a matter of taste and some are always complaining about the way of selection after the invitation is made but what is important is our national prestige. "I am the representative of hard-working coaches of Iran. The Iranian people have a high expectation of sports and football and I have stepped in to make success."
Asked why he has summoned the international players of Iran to join the national team for the Hong Kong tournament, he said friendlies are also important to him because victories in such events gain reputation for the country, stressing that the national squad should not accustom to loss.
Shahrokhi said he would field those players who enjoy fitness and play better -- no matter they are young or veteran.
Talking about the main reasons behind inviting Pas striker Khodadad Azizi, he reiterated that he has targeted talented players without paying attention to their age.
Due to his skills and active presence in the Pas lineup, Khodadad has been called up to the national team. Shahrokhi termed the mass media as an important factor for progress of football, asking them to tell the facts and keep away from off-the-field problems.