News

Iran manager Afshin Ghotbi says that he will leave his post after the 2011 Asian Cup in January, with rumours that Frank Rijkaard could take over quashed by the Iran Football Federation.

Iran have been drawn along with defending champions Iraq, DPR Korea and the UAE in the competition, which begins in January, but Ghotbi's failure to lead his side to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa sees the boss keen for a change.

"In the past few weeks, we've seen some old discussions about my position in Iran national team which can hurt our condition's equilibrium," Ghotbi said. "It's while we are approaching the 2011 Asian Cup and we need to focus on the tournament.

"Hopefully, all Iranian people, media and sport officials support the team with 60 days remaining to the Asian Cup... all of us must try to exhilarate the Iranians. As you see, we changed our style in the past year to adjust with modern football.