FRANCE 98 – Iran – J. Talebi: “I have a doubt on the goalkeeper”
Iran – J. Talebi: “I have a doubt on the goalkeeper” 13.06.98 16h37 CET Jalal TALEBI, IRAN coach:
News from Yssingeaux (near SAINT-ETIENNE) Thursday 12 June
IRAN (group F) held one of their last training sessions before their first fixture against YUGOSLAVIA, on Sunday 14 June at SAINT-ETIENNE. The players concentrated on technique, whilst taking it in turns to play three-a-side games on reduced sized pitches. All the players took part, including goalkeeper Ahmad ABEDZADEH and Behnam SERAJ, who was happy with a brisk jog. Réza SHAHROUDI was taken to hospital following a slight knock.
How fit are your players
?
“All the players are in perfect condition. Behnam has a light cold, nothing to worry about, but we’ll have to do a test tomorrow for Ahmad. We’ve known for the past four or five days that he stills needs a lot of work. If I was forced to name the captaincy, it would go to Mohammad KHAKPOUR, Nader MOHAMMADKHANIR or Javad ZARINCHEH.”
How are you going to approach the match on Sunday against YUGOSLAVIA
?
“There’s always going to be pressure before the first match, but after the kick-off, it’s just a match like any other. We’ll play our best football and the players will give their all. We have tried to make them aware of Yugoslavia’s game; which has always been one of the better teams. We got a lot out of the match against CROATIA, as they play in a similar style. Despite arriving late, I’ve been able to study all the teams in our group.”
What tactics will you employ for the match on Sunday against YUGOSLAVIA
?
“Each of our opponents has its individual way of playing, so we’ll need three sets of tactics. We’ll play the attacking football our country is known for, with short passes. Tomislav IVIC didn’t understand our way of playing and his defensive style doesn’t suit us. My players are highly motivated, and they’re making a great effort to play the best possible game, and we’ll rely on the experience and confidence of our three German based players Karim BAGHERI (6), Khodadad AZIZI (11) et Ali DAEI (10). Our aim is to come away with three points, two more than in 1978.”
Does the match which ended the training on Friday 12 June represent the starting line-up for Sunday?
“No, this match wasn’t about the first team versus the reserves. The two teams were mixed. I’ll announce my team at the last minute and not before, but it’s 85% decided as we only have a doubt on the goalkeeper.”
