Former Manchester United coach Carlos Queiroz has called out Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann after the former Tottenham striker analysed Iran’s 2-0 win over Wales earlier this week.
Iran looked to be heading towards consecutive games without a win in Qatar but with 98 minutes on the clock, the breakthrough was found to set up a mouthwatering ‘final’ against the USA next week.
Speaking after Iran dented Wales’ hopes of reaching the knockout stages, Klinsmann suggested that Iran’s pragmatic approach was down to their ‘culture’, according to Reuters.
Now, days before Iran look to send the USA out of the tournament, Queiroz has fired back at the former USMNT coach, even going as far as to demand his resignation.
“Dear Jurgen, You took the initiative to call me Carlos, so I believe it is proper to call you Jurgen. Right?” Queiroz wrote on Twitter in an explosive series of tweets.
“Even not knowing me personally, you question my character with a typical prejudiced judgment of superiority. No matter how much I can respect what you did inside the pitch, those remarks about Iran Culture, Iran National Team and my Players are a disgrace to Football. Nobody can hurt our integrity if it is not at our level, of course.
“Even saying so, we would like to invite you as our guest, to come to our National Team Camp, socialize with Iran players and learn from them about the Country, the people of Iran, the poets and art, the algebra, all the millennial Persian culture.
“And also listen from our players how much they love and respect Football. As American/German, we understand your no support. No problem. And despite your outrageous remarks on BBC trying to undermine our efforts, sacrifices and skills, we promise you that we will not produce any judgments regarding your culture, roots and background and that you will always be welcome to our Family.
“At the same time, we just want to follow with full attention what will be the decision of FIFA regarding your position as a member of Qatar 2022 Technical Study Group. Because, obviously, we expect you to resign before you visit our camp.”
The meeting between the USA and Iran on Tuesday is an incredibly politically charged fixture and the latest development will only add to the tension.
Queiroz had two stints at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, first between 2002 and 2003 before returning in 2004 – remained for four years in his second spell before eventually taking the Portugal job in 2008.
