Former Iran coach sticks head out for Esteghlal job

AFC - Former Iran national team coach Jalal Talebi said he would like to lead AFC Champions League group finalists Esteghlal after watching German coach Roland Koch struggle in the league this season.

Esteghlal are currently sixth on the Iranian league table, trailing surprise package of the season Sepahan by 13 points. Although Esteghlal have scored 20 goals from 14 matches played, a humble statistic by any measure, the Tehran club giants have also conceded 15 during that same time to fully exuberate the sort of problems the club are currently going through.

The vastly experienced Talebi believes he has the right formula to take Esteghlal back on track again and is convinced he has the right approach to outdo current coach Koch, a former assistant coach at Bayer Leverkusen and Turkish giants Besiktas.

"I have lived my life for football and have experienced the game to the full," said Talebi on Iranmania. "I would like to contribute to Esteghlal's cause and make the necessary changes to the squad.

"If things work out and I go to Esteghlal, I will promise to give it my all. My aim is to make whichever team I work for a success.

"Esteghlal have many issues away from the pitch that had hampered their performances and those problems have prevented them from getting the right results. The officials of the club must begin to take preventative measures so that the coaching staff are allowed to be effective.

"This, however, will need time and will not be achieved easily. I have held discussions with Esteghlal but we have not spoken in detail so nothing is certain.

"I know about the problems of the club," added Talebi. "A team is not only made up of the 11 players on the field, it is a combination of the team, the officials, and the technical staff. Suitable communication and coordination can ensure good results and lead to fewer problems on the pitch."