Babak Golriz: Mehdi I hope that you are well and that things are going good for you. How are things at Hamburg right now?
Mehdi Mahdavikia: Right now I am playing in a position which the coach has chosen and this is the decision of the coach who, at the end of the day, has the final say. Uptil now, I have been fairly successful playing at right back and I will continue to play there.
BG: Do you see the rest of your club career at Hamburg being played at right back? How do you feel about that?
MM: Even at right back I am playing in a very attacking way and I don't think that there is that much difference compared to playing at right wing. But, I have to really work hard when we have to defend and everytime I run forward, I have to quickly recover back to my position. I think my work-rate has increased playing at right back and I am forced to be more aware of whats around me, run more and stay on form much more than playing in midfield.
BG: You are going head to head with Osasuna and your national team-mate Javad Nekounam in the Champions League. What
do you think about the clash?
MM: This is something that has happened and whichever of us manages to make the group stage would be a source of pride for our country. (Note: Hamburg has since taken that spot in the group stages of the Champion's League)
BG: Lets talk a little about your future at Hamburg since your contract is running out in June 2007. What are your plans for next season? Will we ever see Mehdi playing in a different league, and if yes, which league catches your eye?
MM: Well about my contract, I will decide what to do next at the start of 2007 and near the end of the season. But I will say that I would like to remain at Hamburg because I feel comfortable and settled here and the fans have always been great to me. My family also likes it here and we have many good friends. But, I will say that I really love the English Premier League.
BG: Lets move on and talk a little bit about Team Melli. Did the players actually have the belief going into the World Cup that we could make it to the next round?
MM: Yes we did. We were thinking that if we get something out of the Mexico game then we would be able to beat Angola and make it to the second round.
BG: Are you hopeful that the national team can progress under Amir Ghalenoei?
MM: Why not? He is a very good coach and his work at Esteghlal proves that he is a good coach and he really puts alot of faith in youngsters, which is good for us.
BG: Asian football did not rise up to the occassion at the World Cup and the Continent, barring Australia of course, failed to produce a team in the second round. What do you think is the main short-coming of Asian football when it comes to the world scene?
MM: We should'nt compare things with the last World Cup in 2002, which was held in Asia. The hosts, Korea and Japan, were more successful because of the home advantage, and this showed itself up in Germany. But I would'nt say that our teams had very bad showings at this World Cup. At the last World Cup, lets not forget that Saudi Arabia conceded
8 goals in a match, but this time around none of the teams from Asia had weak performances.
BG: What positives can we take from the World Cup?
MM: Playing in a World Cup is the peak of any footballers career and the level that you set there is different to any other matches in your career. Playing in that atmosphere, and being watched my millions around the world, is a feeling that cannot be explained. I truly hope that this experience occurs more regularly for our football and that the national team takes part in all World Cups.
BG: Ghalenoei hasn't chosen Ali Daei in his squad and Golmohammadi has retired from international football. Lots of people are saying that since you are now the most experienced member of the squad, you should be chosen as captain. Would you accept the responsibility?
MM: If I am selected captain, then I will put all my heart and soul into the job and feel very proud in doing so.
BG: Will you be there in South Africa 2010 if Iran qualifies?
MM: If I am on form and the head coach chooses me then I don't see a reason why not.
BG: What advice do you have for some of the youngsters who have broken through into the national team, especially those who have made the move to the UAE League rather than Europe? Is there any fear of moving the move to Europe when you are very young?
MM: Our players all know the ways that should be taken and all have many advisors consulting them. But I can say that they should be following a target or goal and should not deviate away from their target and never stop working hard and trying your best to reach it.
BG: Thank you very much for your time Mehdi. I wish you the best this coming season with both Hamburg and Iran.
MM: You are welcome.
Note: I would like to express my immense thanks to Mr. Sorkhi for making this interview possible. This interview took place before the second leg of the Osasuna and Hamburg Champions League Qualifier.
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