Korea's Ghotbi Denies Iran Coaching Claims

GOAL - South Korea’s assistant coach Afshin Ghotbi has dismissed reports that he will become the next head coach of Iranian club Persepolis.

The 43 year-old was born in Iran and, according to the media in Tehran, is set to take over the seven-time league champions after the Asian Cup.

“There has been no official contact from Persepolis so I don’t understand where these reports have come from,”Ghotbi told Goal.com.

“At the moment, I am 100% focused on helping South Korea prepare for a successful Asian Cup and we are working hard towards that end.”

Persepolis finished third in the season just ended and are looking to end their five-year wait for the title.

Persepolis’s new managing director Habib Kashani was appointed on Wednesday and is reported to see Ghotbi, who was assistant coach with USA at the 1998 World Cup and Korea in 2002 and 2006, as the man to restore the glory days in the capital.

“Persepolis are one of Asia’s giant clubs with lots of history and some talented players. It is flattering to be linked with the club,” Ghotbi said and added, “but my only concern is the South Korean national team.”

South Korea have been drawn in Group D of the Asian Cup with Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

John Duerden
Asia Editor
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