Iran’s Talebi resigns as Syrian national team manager

MEF - DAMASCUS, August 19: 1998 Iran World Cup manager Jalal Talebi handed his resignation to the Syrian FA, less than two weeks from the kick-off of the West Asian Football Federation championship due to be held here later this month.

The manager, who was quoted as saying “the resignation from the job comes for practical reasons,” was appointed as head coach for Syria last fall, after firing Yugoslav supremo Bogidar Vukotic.

The Syrian FA, who was stunned by the decision, finally conceded to the manager’s decision, still, general secretary Toufiq Sarhan commented “we have provided Mr. Talebi with everything possible within our reach for him to ease his mission, but the most appalling thing is the timing of his resignation, coming only a few days before the start of the West Asian Football Federation championship here on home soil.”

Jalal Talebi, however, had another version backing his surprising decision: “I wanted to create a thoroughly-competitive and committed national side for Syria, on a step-by-step basis, hoping to reach this target in a four-year term, but the most troubling aspect I have encountered has been the unexpected will to see imminent success by almost all people here in the federation.

“I have been approached from various countries from the Gulf region, notably Bahrain,” added Talebi, “but I will make up my mind very soon after paying a visit to my family in the United States,” concluded the Iranian supremo.