Queiroz foresees preparation problems

AFC – TEHRAN, Iran boss Carlos Queiroz foresees problems in the national team preparation for what he calls one of the toughest groups in the qualifying round of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015™.

A qualifying draw in Melbourne on Tuesday has placed the Iranians in one of the toughest groups, Group B, along with Kuwait, whom they beat for the 1976 title, Lebanon and 2007 co-hosts and group stage contestants Thailand.

“First of all I should say that our group is one of the toughest groups of this round,” Queiroz told The-AFC.com. “But we are confident that Iran will be able to collect enough points to go through to the next round.

“There are no doubts that we respect all other three teams in our group, but we wish and believe that we deserve to qualify from this stage.”

The Portuguese does see some challenges in Team Melli’s preparation for the qualification but is confident that they will manage.

“Secondly, I am of the opinion that this preliminary round of the Asian Cup 2015 brings us a couple of problems in terms of national team preparation, but it’s our duty to find the right solution to guarantee good preparations for our team,” said the 59-year-old tactician.

“However, I am a great believer that we still have enough abilities and ammunition to fulfill the qualification goal.”
Iran will kick off their campaign against Lebanon on 6 February 2013 in the home-and-away qualifying round.