Iran's Maradona Backs New Coach Daei

FNA - The new Iran head coach, Ali Daei, has received the backing of former national team-mate, the magical Ali Karimi.
Daei and Karimi were reported to have had several arguments during Iran's 2006 World Cup campaign, leading to suggestions that this problem might now affect Karimi's selection under Daei.

However, Karimi said, "I believe the best candidate was picked for national team job. When you look at Daei's recent record as a coach, and his experience as a Team Melli player, you have to admit that he is the best candidate."

The Qatar SC player also denied having any problems with Daei.

"Hand on heart, I can deny having any problems with Daei, despite what is reported in the press, and I even supported him as the national team coach previously, before he was appointed."

Karimi also suggested that he would continue playing for the national team, if picked by Daei.

Previous fall-outs with several national team players have raised concerns that Daei may struggle to lead a team containing players that he doesn't get on well with. It was heartening then to see that Karimi, a fellow Bayern alumni, quickly and publicly back Daei - though cynics may say that after his form of the past two years, Karimi is not in the position to be able to afford to antagonize the coach.

Whatever the reason, Karimi was right to do what he did. That's the way it must be.