Title: National Unity and World Cup Preparations Take Center Stage as Kan’ani-Zadegan Hails Team Mates
In a powerful display of national solidarity, experienced Iranian national team defender Mohammad Hossein Kan’ani-Zadegan has voiced his unwavering support for the team and its stars on the eve of a crucial friendly match.
Preparation Over Results in Friendly Matches
Speaking to reporters, Kan’ani-Zadegan emphasized the strategic importance of the ongoing preparatory tournament. “I have a one hundred percent belief that in friendly matches, the result is a secondary priority,” he stated. “The main objective is to identify the team’s strengths and weaknesses.”
He highlighted the value of the current tournament, noting that the participating nations—Egypt, Uzbekistan, and Cape Verde—are all World Cup-bound. “This provides an excellent benchmark for the national team,” he explained, advocating for more such high-caliber matches.
A Unified Front for a Critical Year
Praising the dedication of the technical staff, Kan’ani-Zadegan detailed the comprehensive support system in place for the players. “The national team coaches work with immense dedication and professionalism,” he said. “They monitor our physical condition and fitness even when we are with our clubs.”
With the World Cup on the horizon, the defender called for unity. “This is a very sensitive year, the World Cup year, and everyone must stand behind the national team,” he urged. “At this stage, it is not about club or color; only the flag of Iran is important.”
Roadmap to the World Cup
Addressing the team’s preparation timeline, Kan’ani-Zadegan expressed confidence. While time was limited before the immediate friendly, he pointed to the 40-day camp preceding the first World Cup match as the critical period to reach optimal team condition.
Regarding their next opponent, Cape Verde, he acknowledged the challenge. “We have a relative understanding of this team. Almost all of their players are legionnaires,” he observed, recognizing their quality. “It will certainly be a tough and beneficial game for us, and we will strive to execute the instructions of Mr. Ghalehnoyi and the technical staff on the pitch.”
Pride in the Jersey, Not Personal Records
When asked about the prospect of breaking the scoring record for an Iranian central defender, Kan’ani-Zadegan remained focused on the collective mission. “Thank God, I have scored 6 goals for the national team so far. If I score two or three more, I will break the record, but the record truly does not matter to me. My only goal is the success of the national team.”
He concluded with a heartfelt tribute to his teammates and his tenure with the squad. “It is a great honor to have been with the national team for over 10-12 years and to play alongside great players like Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Mehdi Taremi.”
High-Level Support Boosts Morale
Kan’ani-Zadegan also expressed gratitude for the recent visit of the country’s President and the Minister of Sport to the national team camp. “The presence of the President and Minister of Sport among the national team players demonstrates the attention of the country’s high-ranking officials,” he said. “This presence was motivating for all players.”
He ended on a hopeful note, expressing his aspiration that “with the full support of the people and officials, the national team can be a worthy representative for Iran in the World Cup.”