September 17- The long-running saga over Carlos Queiroz’s future as coach of Iran has finally been concluded with the former Real Madrid and Portugal manager agreeing a four-year extension to his contract.
During the World Cup, Queiroz bemoaned lack of funding and logistical difficulties, saying he would quit after the tournament despite the Iranians coming within minutes of snatching a draw against Argentina, only for Lionel Messi to score a superb stoppage time winner to break their hearts.
Protracted talks about his contract have taken place since then, delaying preparations for January’s Asian Cup which Iran has won three times. But now they have been resolved.
”First, we are going to win a medal in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia. Because of that, we need to work hard,” the 61-year-old said. ”Our second goal is clear and easy. We want to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.”
Iran have been drawn in Group C of the Asian Cup alongside West Asian sides United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar as they look to lift a first continental title since 1976.