Hossein Abdi, the head coach of Iran's national U23 team, after his team's 3-1 victory against the UAE in the first match of Group B of the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games, talked about his close and emotional relationship with the players and examined future challenges.
Respect and experience in hosting Japan
Abdi initially congratulated his players and thanked Japan for its hospitality. He pointed out the importance of respect in this country, saying: "Respect is very important here, and we feel it more than anything else. This respect is clearly visible in the behavior of the people and how they treat teams and athletes, and it is a valuable experience for us as well."
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Challenges ahead for the national U23 team
The head coach of Iran's national U23 team emphasized the team's condition in the first match against the UAE, stating: "I am glad we passed this tough match and managed to defeat a strong and well-playing UAE team. Now we must think about the next game and see what will happen." He also mentioned that the conditions have not been easy for the team and that players are gradually joining the squad.
Abdi discussed his team's performance in the match, saying: "I think our system and team organization were very good at the beginning. We tried to maintain the team's structure and then managed to better control the match conditions." He hopes that with the addition of players to the team, conditions will improve.
Human and emotional relationship with the players
The head coach of the national U23 team spoke about his relationship with the players, saying: "We have been working with these players for about four years. It has been a long process in which we have tried to develop the players and prepare them for their football future." He added: "For me, the relationship I have with them is largely like a father-child relationship, and they are like my children."
Abdi emphasized: "Everything between us is based on mutual respect. I respect them, and they respect me. This respect is one of the most important factors that has allowed us to work together over the years and continue a shared path."
Looking to the future
Abdi spoke about the future of these players, saying: "The goal is for the players to progress in football, have a better future, and ultimately be effective players for Iranian football as well." He stressed that all his efforts are for the future of Iran and these players, hoping they can elevate the level of football.
He also noted about Group B, where they now have to prepare against China and then North Korea, stating: "I think we are in the toughest group. We have tough and capable opponents, and we will start preparing for the match against them tomorrow."
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