Thai Buriram United shows ex-Iran team coach the door
Thailand’s football club Buriram United, which is currently playing in the professional league for Football Association clubs in the Southeast Asian country, has decided to dismiss former Iranian soccer head coach Afshin Ghotbi after only three months in the job.
Management of Buriram United Football Club relieved the 52-year-old Ghotbi of his duties on Saturday night, even though the team edged past Army United FC 2-1 in a Thai Premier League fixture.
The victory landed Buriram, nicknamed the Thunder Castles, in the third place on the table, and 19 points behind leaders, Muang Thong United.
Ghotbi replaced Brazilian soccer manager Alexandre Torreira da Gama Lima Casado in late May.
There are reports that the Iranian soccer coach was sacked for failing to meet targets set by Buriram's club owner Newin Chitchob. His conservative and defensive style in addition to fans’ disappointment were among other reasons behind his dismissal.
Ghotbi was appointed as the head coach of Tehran-based Persepolis football club in July 2007. He led the Reds to Iranian Pro League championship in May 2008, and left the club the following month.
He returned to Persepolis on July 3, 2008, after signing a two-year deal. Ghotbi had poor results afterwards, and opted for resignation on November 18, 2008. He left Iran the next day.
Ghotbi was in charge of Iran men’s national soccer team between April 22, 2009 and January 22, 2011. He officially resigned after his team lost to South Korea and got knocked out of the 2011 Asian Cup.
He was strongly poised to be heading to Suphanburi for the beginning of Thai Premier League campaign, but the move did not take place.
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