World Cup: Carlos Queiroz demands Jurgen Klinsmann resign over his criticism of Iran’s ‘culture’

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has hit back at Jurgen Klinsmann after criticizing the way the side played against Wales.

Queiroz’s side recovered from a 6–2 thrashing against England in their opening game to beat Wales 2–0 to put Rob Page’s team on the brink of elimination.

However, Klinsmann suggested that one factor in Iran’s success is their ability to “be the referee” under Queiroz.

The former Germany international was unimpressed with Iran’s physical approach to the game as they conceded 10 fouls and two yellow cards, claiming the approach was part of their ‘culture’ in comments many have criticized.

Queiroz has now defended his team by issuing a stinging rebuttal in an open letter on Twitter.

The coach called Klinsmann’s comments a “disgrace” to football. He also invited Klinsmann to the Iran camp to learn its “culture,” but only after he stepped down from his position as a member of FIFA’s Qatar 2022 Technical Study Group.

He wrote: ‘Dear Jurgen;

“You took the initiative to call me Carlos, so I think it’s right to call you Jurgen. Right? Even if you don’t know me personally, you question my character with a typical biased superiority judgment.

No matter how much I can respect what you did on the pitch, those comments about Iranian culture, the Iranian national team and my players are an embarrassment to football. No one can harm 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 Iranian players and learn from them about the country, the people of Iran, the poets and art, the algebra, all millennial Persian culture and also listen to our players how much they love and respect football.

“As an American/German, we understand that you have no support. No problem. And despite your outrageous comments on BBC that try to undermine our efforts, sacrifices and skills, we promise you that we will not pass judgment on your culture, roots and background and that you will always be welcome in our family

“At the same time, we want to follow with full attention what the decision of FIFA will be regarding your position as a member of the Qatar 2022 Technical Study Group. Because of course we expect you to resign before you visit our camp.’

Klinsmann’s comments came while he was doing police duty BBC. He said: “Carlos fits very well with the national team and their culture. He failed in South America with Colombia and then failed to qualify with Egypt. He came in just before the World Cup with Iran, where he spent a long time time worked. .’

Queiroz and Iran seem like a match made in heaven after their latest triumph and Klinsmann believes the way they play is no coincidence.

“It’s not a coincidence, it’s part of their culture, how they play. They worked the referee. They work the linesman and fourth official, they are constantly in their ear. There were a lot of incidents that we didn’t see,” said the former USA manager.

“This is their culture, they take you out of your game.”

Klinsmann then made a controversial statement – stating that the outcome of the game could have been different with different officials in charge.

“It would have been different with a different referee. They have five people standing around the referee. This didn’t play into Wales’ hands.’

With the victory over Wales, qualification for Group B is now in the hands of Iran.

Queiroz’s side will take on the USA in the final round of the group stage matches, knowing that they are in control of their own destiny – something not many could have predicted before the start of the tournament.

Iran lost their opening game of the World Cup 6-2 to England and many began to write off their chances of progress.

However, Iran recovered with this 2-0 win against Wales thanks to goals from Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian.

Iran fans will hope their good form continues for their all-important clash against the US.