Ex-Real Madrid boss Queiroz 'agrees' new deal to stay on as Iran coach
Carlos Queiroz has performed a U-turn on his future and agreed to extend his contract as head coach of the Iranian national team, according to the Tehran Times.
The former Real Madrid boss had announced his decision walk away from the post he following Iran's 3-1 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in their final Group F game at the 2014 World Cup.
Queiroz, 61, cited a lack of support from the Iranian Football Federation (IFF) as the reason for his departure, accusing them of not investing sufficiently for the future.
However, the highly-regarded coach has now had a change of heart after extensive talks with the (IFF) last Friday and has now agreed a new deal in principle until the end of the 2018 World Cup.
“We have to negotiate about the contract in the details. I wish to stay as Iran coach. The Iranians will always stay in my heart. I like to continue my job but the deal has not yet finalized,” the Portuguese told Fars news agency.
According to the Tehran Times, Queiroz, who previously worked alongside Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United assistant boss, will put pen-to-paper on his new deal on August 1.
FUTURE
Once the formalities are complete on his new contract, Queiroz will then turn his attentions to the upcoming 2015 AFC Asian Cup, which is being held in Australia from January 9-31, 2015.
Team Melli will have lofty ambitious after a strong showing in Brazil which saw them draw with Nigeria before suffering a heartbreaking defeat to beaten finalists Argentina courtesy of Lionel Messi's 91st minute winner.
A disappointing loss to Bosnia ended their hopes of progressing to the last 16 for the first time in their history, but they showed enough to suggest their are genuine contenders for Asian success in early 2015.
News of Queiroz's imminent new deal will be a blow to South Africa's Football Association (SAFA) who had been reportedly keen to reappoint the Mozambique-born coach.
In his previous stint as coach, Queiroz successfully guided Bafana Bafana to the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations and 2002 World Cup, but resigned before the start of the global spectacle, following a public fallout with his bosses.
SAFA chiefs are expected to announce Gordon Igesund's replacement as Bafana head coach before the end of the month.