Lorant to lead Saipa

AFC - Iranian Pro League outfit Saipa have appointed former Munchen 1860 coach Werner Lorant as their new coach on a one-season deal.

The appointment of the 58-year-old German was made by a club official on Monday. “Lorant has agreed to coach (Saipa) and he will inspect our facilities today before finalising a one-year contract next week,” said a club spokesman.

Saipa sacked homegrown talent Bijan Zolfagharnasab after they finished third behind champions Esteghlal and runners-up Pas.

Lorant was responsible for Munchen 1860’s breakthrough in the 1990s into the elite of German football and comes to Saipa from Turkish side Sivasspor, who he succeeded in turning around from a small club into contenders for a UEFA Cup spot.