Last week, the officials of Tractor Sazi Tabriz Football Club fired their Portuguese head coach António José Conceição Oliveira. Toni, the former head coach of giant Benfica, has become one of the most popular coaches in Tabriz. However, his team failed to satisfy Azeri fans.
“I have experienced many good and difficult times during my presence in Tractor Sazi Tabriz FC. Local and foreigner coaches, who choose Iran as their destinations, must face with these difficulties. However, I will not forget the great fans of this team.” Toni told reporters on Thursday.
Regarding his failure with Tabriz-based football club, Toni declared: “I wish the best for Tractor Sazi. But, I believe the team didn’t have any defined goals. We managed to finish Iran Pro League in third position, but we couldn’t manage to qualify for the knock-out phase of AFC Champions League. Note that, Tractor Sazi was not powerful enough to cope with Arab clubs in ACL. I think Tractor Sazi must sign with more professional foreigner and local players for the next season.”
“My contract has been expired with Tractor Sazi. I hope team officials pay my stipends on time, because I have heard that Iranian clubs don’t pay coaches’ salaries on right time.” Toni Oliveira added.
He also declined receiving job offers from Iranian clubs. “I have not received any offer from other Iranian teams. By the way, I am interested in continuing my coaching career in Iran if I receive any offer.” Toni concluded.
Under the tutelage of Toni, Tractor Sazi Tabriz accumulated 62 points in 33 matches in Iran Pro League.