I Like to Coach Iran at World Cup Once Again, Branko Ivankovic Says

Ivankovic was appointed to the head of the Iranian team in 2002. Under leadership of Ivankovic, Iran's U-23 football team won the 2002 Asian Games in Pusan.

The Croatian coach inspired Iran finish third in the 2004 AFC Asian cup.

Ivankovic also led Iran to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, the third time in the country's history.

“Iran got good results in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup. We defeated South Korea and drew with titleholder Japan. Team Melli lost to China in penalty shoot-out and failed to advance to the final match. We had also won the Asian Games in Pusan in 2002,” Ivankovic told Tasnim news agency in an exclusive interview. 

“Iran had a good team in the 2006 World Cup but unfortunately three months to the completion, Ali Karimi broke his leg. At the same time, Vahid Hashemian, Fereydoon Zandi and Mehdi Mahdavikia were injured."

“I am a better coach than I was 10 years ago. I have earned more experiences during the past years. Now, I can control myself to get good results. I took charge of Iran as an assistant coach of Miroslav Blazevic in Croatia football team. We had finished in third place in the 1998 World Cup,” Ivankovic said.  

“I did my best in Iran football team but you can always take advantage of your experience. I believe that I am a better coach now and it’s a great pleasure to head Iran in the World Cup once again,” he added.

As regards his life in Iran, Ivankovic said, “I cannot understand Farsi but I know the Iranian people and culture well."

"I have to say this is my biggest mistake not learning Farsi during the past years,” the 61-year-old coach said.

Asked him who is the best coach in the world, Branko said, “I have so much respect for Pep Guardiola because he has brought something new to football. He doesn’t buy the players to solve his problems.”

“My favorite teams are Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester United. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been the best footballers of the world in the past years. I want to give you an example: After Portugal and Sweden match in the 2014 World Cup play-off, Ronaldo jetted off to Madrid immediately for recovery. They are on the top because of their trainings and lifestyles. I believe that Lionel Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo,” Persepolis coach said.

As regards his current team, Ivankovic said, “Persepolis needs several years to become a title contender. Now, we need a left defender at our team. It’s said Persepolis has not tall players but it cannot be considered as a problem. In Barcelona just Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique are tall,” the Croatian club concluded.