Exiled Iranian coach aims for historic goal
cnn / James Montague
21-Jan-2011 (2 comments)

Doha (CNN) -- For a man who had spent the first 13 years of his life growing up in pre-Revolution Iran, Afshin Ghotbi's first job in Iranian football was all about going back to basics: He had to relearn his mother tongue, Farsi, almost from scratch.

"Coming back to my roots, speaking very little Farsi, I had to communicate with my heart," explained the 46-year-old coach of Iran's national team, talking in a pronounced west coast American drawl. "The connection I made with the Iranian people was fascinating."

He has taken a circuitous and remarkable route to leading a side which is this month seeking to win its first Asian Cup title since 1976.

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iamfine

Yolanda

by iamfine on Fri Jan 21, 2011 11:35 PM PST

Do you know where I can watch the game - thanks


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yolanda

.........

by yolanda on Fri Jan 21, 2011 10:21 PM PST

"The goal we have set is to win the Asian Cup for the first time in 35 years," he said.

"We really want to do this for the people of Iran. Iranians around the world are intelligent, passionate, kind and unfortunately the Western world has the wrong image of them. Maybe this team can change that."

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I am deeply touched by his words..........I hope TM can go all the way!


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