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Disappointed. Grant
Photo: Yael Shahrur

Iranians cancel soccer friendly against Israeli coach's team

Avram Grant says he was informed Sepahan Esfahan does not want to play Partizan Belgrade because he is Israeli

Iranian soccer club Sepahan Esfahan, which was scheduled to play a friendly against Partizan Belgrade later this week, cancelled the match because the Serbian team is coached by Avram Grant, Ynet reported Monday.

 

The Israeli coach, a Petah Tikva native, called the decision a "disgrace," adding "I never mix sports and politics. I've worked with many Muslims during my stint in England, and even connected with some of them.

 

"I was told the decision stemmed from the fact that I'm Israeli – that's disappointing," said Grant, who previously coached the Israeli national team and London's Chelsea FC, among other teams.

 

Grant, who led Chelsea to the finals of the Champions League in 2008, also had some words of advice for the club's current manager.

 

Speaking to The Telegraph, Grant warned Andre Villas-Boas that any day could be his last amid ongoing speculation that club owner Roman Abramovich is losing patience with the Portuguese coach following a series of poor results.

 

"My advice to Andre is to try and do his job and win games. What will happen will happen,” said Grant.

 

“In the old times, Roman didn’t have much patience but now I think he’s learned something and is a little bit (more patient). I don’t know for how long though. It’s important for any manager to realize that any day could be your last,” he told the British daily.

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 02.22.12, 07:52
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