Carlos Queiroz Staying as Iran Coach, Says FFIRI President Taj
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Mehdi Taj, the President of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), said Carlos Queiroz has agreed to stay as head coach of Team Melli.
The Portuguese had said he would quit as Iran coach after the 2018 World Cup.
"The contract will be discussed later but yes, Quieroz will remain in charge until the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019," said Taj, speaking after IR Iran returned from their Russia 2018 adventure.
Team Melli just missed out on a place in the Round of 16 after ending their Group B campaign with a 1-0 win over Morocco, 0-1 defeat to 2010 World Cup winner Spain and 1-1 draw with reigning European champion Portugal.
“The (World Cup) results say that we are on the right track. The 7,000 fans who welcomed the team at 4am at the airport showed us their priority is the national team.
"We have had a good football year, and the Asian Cup is ahead of us. Based on my negotiations with Queiroz, and the current atmosphere, we can win the Asian Cup,” Taj said, while calling on the clubs to work together with the national team.
Iran will be aiming to win the AFC Asian Cup for the fourth time in history, having emerged champion in 1968, 1972 and 1976.
Team Melli is in Group D alongside Iraq, Yemen and Vietnam for the January 5-February 1 showpiece.
