Ghalenoei: My absence will not affect us

AFCCL - Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei has expressed astonishment at his enforced absence from the bench for Team Melli’s crucial AFC Asian Cup 2007 match against China on Sunday, but insists that he will not be missed.

The former Eteghlal boss received a one match ban after he was sent to the stands during Iran’s opening 2-1 defeat of Uzbekistan for throwing a water bottle at an official.

Whilst continuing to strenuously deny the charge and questioning why Qatar coach Dzemaludin Musovic was not punished for a similar brush with the authorities, Ghalenoei was at pains to point out that he has the utmost faith in the rest of Iran’s backroom staff ahead of a game that looks set to
decide who will finish at the top of Group C.

“My problem here has not been resolved so I will be suspended for the China game. Having said that though, I am amazed that the coach of Qatar has not been similarly punished after what he did against Japan,” the 43-year-old said.

“My decision was a very unfair one because it was a mistake by referee. I threw the water bottle after a mistake by one of my players and not at an official. Even when they had made their decision, I went to the stands very quietly. I am amazed that they are suspending me.

“I have a great belief in my staff though. It is not going to make a big difference if I am not there,” he added.

Last Wednesday’s come from behind win against the Uzbeks gave Iran the perfect start in a competition they have already won on three occasions.

Nevertheless, Ghalenoei knows his charges will face a stiff challenge from a China side who opened their account with a 5-1 thrashing of Malaysia.

“The game we have already had was very difficult, but we got the three points and we are going into the China match very motivated.

“I believe our team is going to get better and better as the tournament progresses. Having said that, China are a very good side. They are well organised defensively and their defenders support the attack well.

“I also believe they play at a faster pace than they used to. I really do think that we are going to have a tough time but China do also have their weaknesses.”

Whist naturally reluctant to reveal who will start tomorrow, Ghalenoei was however confident that whoever represents Iran would perform to the best of their ability in the face of what is certain to be a concerted Chinese team effort.

“The system I choose to play is based purely on the ability of my players to perform in their positions and the players who are playing offensively must be able to defend.

“I am not focussing on one or two Chinese players because I prefer to look at the threat their whole team has, I am definitely not setting up my team to only counter one or two of their players.”