Branko Ivankovic rules out return as Team Melli coach

Tehran Times – TEHRAN, Persepolis football team head coach Branko Ivankovic said he is not going to take charge of Iran national football team since he has extended his contract with the club until 2020.

The media reports suggest that the Croat, who has been successful in Persepolis in the past years, is going to replace Carlos Queiroz.

Queiroz’s contract will run until the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

“I have not talked to anyone about coaching Iran since I am under contract with Persepolis. But I say the Iran football federation is allowed to negotiate with its candidates. As South Korea, Colombia and Mexico football federations negotiated with Queiroz,” Ivankovic said in an interview with Iran Students news Agency (ISNA).

“Honestly, nobody called me from Iran federation but I emphasize that there is no limit for them to negotiate with their next coach. Queiroz will not always be Iran coach as I will not always be Persepolis coach. They have the right to negotiate with their next coaches,” the Croat added.

South Korea’s champion Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors has reportedly linked with Branko Ivankovic but the 64-year-old coach says he will remain in Persepolis.

“I’ve received many offers in the past years but Persepolis are in the difficult situation and I will not leave my team and Persepolis’s fans alone. A few months ago I received a very fascinating offer but we decided to continue our work at Persepolis,” the former Iran coach said.

“We showed how strong we are by advancing to the final match of the AFC Champions League, however we lost to Kashima Antlers. Now, we are going to be in the final once again and will try to get better day by day,” Ivankovic concluded.