Farhad Majidi, the Iranian international striker, launched a stunning attack on team manager Branko Ivankovic claiming that Iran qualified for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany because of the hard work of the players and not because of the coaching of Ivankovic.
"Ivankovic didn't contribute in that great achievement. The Iranian players' efforts and love for their country was behind Iran reaching the World Cup Finals for the third time," Majidi told Gulf News.
Majidi who joined the national team last year under Ivankovic has only played once against Panama but has since been overlooked despite a man of the match performance according to the press in Iran.
"All the Iranian papers wrote the next day that I was the Man of the Match. But in the second match, against Bahrain, Ivankovic dismissed me. Why? I don't know."
The 26-year-old Al Wasl striker loves his country and is eager to get back into the international side but he is not willing to play under the current coach.
He says that Ivankovic does not value him as a player, even though he is one of the most popular stars in the UAE. His strong and committed performances for Al Wasl and his superb goal scoring record have contributed to making Majidi the talisman for his club.
"Under Ivankovic, I don't think I would be able to [play again]. But with a new coach who respects me and values my talent, I am ready to play for the national team."
Gulf News
