'Let the Kids Play', Queiroz Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said that his players have come to the 2022 FIFA World Cup to play football.
Iran lost to England 6-2 in Group B and the Portuguese coach said they should not be dragged into anything but football.
“To those who come to disturb the team with the issues that are not about the football opinions, they're not welcome because our boys, they're just simple football boys,” Queiroz told a news conference.
“Let the kids play the game. Because this is what they're looking for. They wanted to represent the country, to represent the people, as any other national team that are here. And all the national teams, there are issues at home,” the Portuguese coach added.
Querioz, who led Iran in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, said Team Melli players have come to Doha to play football.
"Because it's not right to come to this World Cup and ask them to do things that's not their responsibility, it's not their mission.
"They're here to for the people to honor the people, to bring pride, to bring joy to bring happiness to the people. That's the reason why they're here."