We Must Support Skocic: Jahanbakhsh
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Brighton winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh says that it’s time to support Team Melli coach Dragan Skocic.
Iranian media reported that the football federation is going to sign Gabriel Calderon as Skocic’s replacement.
“Skocic has spent several years in Iran and knows our football and culture. He also has decent experience in comparison to other Croatian coaches who have come to Iran over the years. I think we all need to support him – both fans and footballers,” Jahanbakhsh said in an interview with Persian Football.
“He came to Team Melli to help us play well and win our upcoming matches. For this reason, I must stress this is the time to support him and his staff. I heard Mr. Karim Bagheri will be joining the staff which will be a fantastic move for us. I saw him (Skocic) in the airport on the way to Europe when I was in Iran a few months ago and we chatted for a few minutes and had a great conversation about his plans for Team Melli,” he added.
Iran sits third in Asia’s Group C, five points behind Iraq in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification.
“This phase of qualification is our first challenge and it is no easy task. We will certainly work our hardest – this is the same group of hard working, talented, high quality players and thank god they are all doing great with their respective clubs. For this reason, I think this team can go to the World Cup and we will do our best,” Jahanbakhsh stated.
