Ivankovic Mulls Rejuvenation of National Squad

Exclusively interviewed by the TEHRAN TIMES Thursday, the Croat head coach added the veteran regulars are invaluable assets of a team and fresh recruits should use their experience.

Inheriting the ill-fated stint of his countryman Miroslav Blazevic, Ivankovic is tolerating great pressure from the sports writers and experts who have sharpened their critical knives, grilling federation over the decision.

"Reaction of Iranian media is natural," said former assistant of Blazevic adding that "Goran Sven Eriksson was given a bitter welcome and cold-shouldered by the Britons at the very beginning of his tenure but he is now highly respected by British people and mass media."

Asked whether he is involved in off-field debates as Blazevic did, the new boss said he would not make such a mistake and throw all his energies into the coaching job.

Stressing that he has great respect for critics, Ivankovic said he would welcome soccer experts' constructive views.

Identifying the weak and strong points, the new coach has to bring tactical nous and a large dose of self-confidence to national side of Iran, a country abundant in football phenoms.