Mohammad Royanian, the president of Persepolis FC, announced on Monday that Reds are interested in services of Branko Ivanković. Currently, the managers of Tehran-based football club are looking to find a suitable head coach for their team.
“We have negotiated with several head coaches with regard to Persepolis. A group of these coaches are currently working in local clubs, but some of them are foreigners who had worked in Iran over the past few years.” Royanian told a live television show.
“The officials of Persepolis FC have started preliminary talks with Branko Ivanković. Branko had worked in Iran before, and he is completely familiar with the atmosphere of Iranian football and fans.” Mohammad Royanian added.
Branko Ivanković has previously served as the head coach of Team Melli. He led the Iranian national football team at the 2006 World Cup and most recently managed Al Wahda S.C.C. in UAE Pro-League.
Football analysts have recently criticized Mohammad Royanian for appointing four coaches during his presidency over Persepolis. “I didn’t select any of them. We signed with them, according to feedbacks and comments of our technical committee which includes the former players and coaches of Persepolis FC.” Royanian responded.
During the last season, Reds failed to achieve any of their goals. They finished season in seventh position by garnering only 54 points from 34 matches. In Hazfi Cup final, they defeated by Sepahan FC and failed to qualify for the next version of AFC Champions League. The other Tehrani club, Esteghlal, claimed the title of Iran Pro League.