PLDC - In discussion with ISNA, Rene Simoes
stated: "I will give my all until the moment that the federation officially
announces that we are not going."
Two nights ago, the Under 23 team defeated Bahrain in a friendly, even
though the news of Iran's suspension had a negative effect on the
performance of the team. Simoes said: "The news of the suspension was
announced to the players before the match. I told the players to go and play
their own game because at the last moment everything may change.
Nonetheless, the team did not play like one of my teams and they did not
perform the way I expected."
He further stated: They only played well in the first 15 minutes of the
second half, however, it is only natural that the players did not give their
best performance considering the news they received.
Simoes, while criticizing the organization of Iranian football, said: Maybe
the things I say will be to some peoples' liking, however, the truth is that
Iranian football lacks organization and planning. If you name any country, I
can tell you their plans until March-April (Farvardin) of next year, however
you will not be able to tell me what the plans are for Iranian football over
the same period.
Simoes finally told ISNA: "We have worked hard for over one year and I
cannot believe that the team is not going to Qatar. The news of Iran's
suspension has shocked everyone."
