TEHRANTIMES - Former Iranian international Mehdi Mahdavikia has been appointed as the new coach of Hamburg SV U-14 football team.

The 37-year old stated that he always wanted to start his coaching career with youth teams.

“We have been negotiating over the past couple of months with Hamburg officials and they wanted me to accept their offer to coach their youth team.

“I’m happy to accept the offer because I always wanted to set up my coaching career with youth teams. In Germany you have to pass all steps to become a professional coach,” Mahdavikia told ISNA.

Mahdavikia, who is a co-founder of KIA Football Academy, led his U-11 team to 2015 Cordial Cup second place after suffering a 7-6 defeat on penalties against TSV 1860 Munchen in May.