ISP Exclusive - Interview with Felix Magath

Interview with Felix Magath

IranSportsPress.com: First I would like to congratulate your team for the victory of both cups, The German League and the German Cup. Can you briefly give us your impressions about the last season?

Felix Magath: I am very happy about the result, defending both cups is a great victory. We had a successful season.

IranSportsPress.com: I know it is still too early to have goals for the next season but can you already make up your mind what your main goals will be for 2006 and 2007?

Felix Magath: Of course it is too early to set our goals. We are still in the process to have a team; we look for some prospective players. Let’s wait for the World Cup and see who is going to be in our squad for next year.

IranSportsPress.com: You visited the United States for two weeks, what are your impression about the US, did you enjoy your two weeks with your team.

Felix Magath: It was for us more a relaxation week. First we went to Miami and now to New York. We have a friendly against New York Red Bulls so it was more vacation and not a training camp. Both cities are pretty amazing places and I enjoyed being there.

IranSportsPress.com: In the beginning of the year, you went to Iran for a friendly match against Persepolis Tehran. How do you see the differences between Iran and the US when it comes to football?

Felix Magath: (smiles) it is difficult to make a judgement about these two football nations. I could imagine that at the moment Iranian football is closer to European football than compared to the US. The US does a lot of work in youth football and it is just matter of time until it bears fruit on a professional level. Women football is big here and this will give the football generation no matter men or women a huge step forward. As you can see the US Men team qualified again for the World Cup and it shows that they work hard to be part of the top elite in football. Iran also qualified this year and in 1998 and had bad luck in 2002, so Iran’s football is also in a continual process to get better and establish themselves as one of the top teams.

IranSportsPress.com: As you remember, in the past I had a brief interview with you in Chicago. In that interview I mentioned Ali Karimi. You were surprised that I brought up his name. Now, he signed a contract with your team last year, and he is a Bayern player. What are your impressions on him?

Felix Magath: Ali is a unique player and I am very happy about his skills. In the first year it was not easy for him to establish himself but he did a great development and could integrate himself in the squad. It is a pity that he had a severe injury in the middle of the season and could not play any more games for us. But I am pretty sure that for the next season Ali will play a great season.

IranSportsPress.com: Where do you see his strength and weaknesses?

Felix Magath: He is a player who has great offensive skills but can also help out in the defence. He can use both of his legs and his technical skills are great and he also has a great view on the field. His passing skills are also very smart and precise and he is also great in scoring goals.

IranSportsPress.com: Do you think he has the potential to take Michael Ballack’s position?

Felix Magath: Yes of course, he can play his position and will get chances to play that in different games. As he can score well and give precise passes to the forwards, he will get the opportunity to play behind our attackers.

IranSportsPress.com: Iran is now in the world cup and had components like Portugal and Mexico. Do you think they can make it to the 2nd round?

Felix Magath: That's no question, of course they can. in my opinion football is a game where you can influence a team by more training and improving players condition. Therefore, teams which are not in the spotlight can make the difference when you are getting ready for the games. As I know the Iranian squad a bit, I do believe that it is a team that can get far. At the end it really comes to having a bit of luck.

IranSportsPress.com: In which area do you think does Iran have to watch out most against players like Deco and Ronaldo?

Felix Magath: All players in the team are strong; you should not concentrate on names. Whenever a team qualifies for a World Cup that team is ready to go far. Iran has to watch out that Portugal does not control the game from the first minute so it can score their chances.

IranSportsPress.com: Would you mind to give Iran a hint where to watch out.

Felix Magath: No I can't as I don’t know the Iranian team that well.

IranSportsPress.com: I wish you great luck and thanks for the interview.

Felix Magath: No problem.