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Chat Reel: Khodadad Azizi
MLS player talks about life in the U.S.
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Khodadad Azizi talks about the differences between the MLS and the Iranian league. Tom Hauck/Allsport |
Khodadad Azizi recently chatted with CNNSI.com users about the MLS All-Star game and the Iranian National team. A transcript of the Monday, July 24 chat session follows:
CNNSI Host: Thanks for joining our chat today with Khodadad Azizi. Welcome!
Khodadad Azizi: Hello. And good luck for everyone. I hope you are all having a great day.
From Guest: What is your opinion of the MLS All-Star Game, and what does it mean to you that were were voted to play? Will you play?
Khodadad Azizi: I know that this is the stars chosen from the East playing against the West. I am happy to be part of it. I will definitely be there. Iranian supporters are very excited that I am there. I am happy they are supporting me.
From Mehrdad: Do you go back to Iran if San Jose doesn't make it to playoffs?
Khodadad Azizi: I have to go around late September to the Iranian national team. The trip to Iran is most definitely in the picture.
From Ramesh in San Jose, Calif.: How do you rate MLS teams (say Kansas City and San Jose) against Iran's 1st and 2nd division clubs such as Persepolis and Sanaate Naft or the club you started your soccer career in, Abu Moslem?
Khodadad Azizi: Two completely different leagues. The type of league they are--MLS has a type of plan, everything is formulated with a lot of foreign players in the league. Iranian league is not as organized and we don't have as much foreign players, maybe one or two from Armenia. The type of the soccer in the US is very physical. Iranian soccer in the league is very technical--play is a lot more technical.
And on the other side, from the standpoint of fan support, Piroozi has almost 2 to 3 million fans around the country, but Galaxy or Kansas City does not have such supporters as the Piroozi team. It is part of their daily life. But in the US none of the teams have such supporters
so therefore it would be very tough to compare the two teams from every aspect.
From Hadi Islampanah in Kerman, Iran: In honesty, what's your opinion about Talebi's coaching in the Iran national team?
Khodadad Azizi: As you know, Talebi has been coaching for a long time, both internationally both in Iran and elsewhere and he coached the Iranian National team in '98 for the world cup and one thing that he has started doing is bringing in young blood--new players, to the national team. He's converting to the style of the play of 4-4-2 from the old style of 3-5-2. Talebi can really help the National team, and football in general, but as a coach in Iran, it is a very tough job to do. Soccer is in the blood of Iranians and there is a lot of pressure from the media and the people on the coach. They can be changed for one or two losses. Even Talebi knows that the job security that a coach has anywhere else in the world doesn't exist in Iran.
I believe that Mr. Talebi has a lot of good ideas and he is someone who can work with a lot of different types of players and give them a vision.
From Reza Garajedaghi in Santa Barbara, Calif.: What do you think Iran's chances are at the Asian Cup? Do you think we got an easy group?
Khodadad Azizi: I admit that the first round, the group we will be in will be easier than others, but for Asian countries, this championship is a lot more important than going to World Cup in 2002. Being a champion in Asia is more important than anything else. So we will come with full power and ready to win.
From Reza: How did it feel to play with the Iranian national team in Pasadena? Do you feel Iranian fans are some of the most passionate fans in the world when it comes to the national team?
Khodadad Azizi: As for the game in Pasadena, I think the National team, all the players have the support from Iranians all over the world. They were expecting a big turnout. The support of Iranian fans has been carried on to supporting me in the Earthquakes ... but for a city in Ohio there may only be several hundred Iranians... but in every single game that I have played there, there have been a lot of Iranians and in the bigger cities there is a lot more support.
From Do: San Jose is supposedly very desperate for a left-sided midfielder. Do you feel there are players from Iran, such as Emamifar, or Shahroudi, who can join the club and fill that void?
Khodadad Azizi: I admit that both of them can help me out, but because of the type of offers they are considering in Iran, the offers in the US may not be as interesting. Shahroudi is a better match for Emamifar, and based on his style of play he would be a better match for the Earthquakes.
From Tourang in Houston, Texas: Dear Mr. Azizi, Many of us Iranians think that you have been a superstar in our football and have taken our football to a higher level. But at the same time, for the past few years, we have not seen you motivated. You have played uninspired games, you walk on the field and we feel like you don't even reach half of your potential. Do you feel the same way and if so, what's the reason for it?
Khodadad Azizi: In the last several years, I have been involved with the World cup qualifications, the World Cup itself, and I have tried to do my best at all times. The expectation of Iranian fans is that better and better is always there, and I will try to do that on the field. And in the future especially if it is a national game, I will do the same.
And I will try to do better and better ... my heart is still is with all the Iranians, and the fan that has asked me that question. And I will do better and better all the time.
From Massoud: What is your greatest moment when playing for Iran? What game will you never forget and you will share with your kids and grandkids forever?
Khodadad Azizi: Every single game is important. But I think the one that has affected Iranians most is Iran vs. Australia, in which Iran qualified for the world cup after 20 years. That made Iran really happy. Millions of people came into the streets and celebrated until all hours of the morning. That game will be the one that is going to be celebrated and be in my memory for a long time.
From Reza: How do you balance your religious priorities with soccer?
Khodadad Azizi: My religious practice is always number one because that is what gives me the strength. Every time I go on the field, I pray and kiss the ground because that is what gives me the power. It is the foundation of who I am.
From Sasha Tooryani in Danville, Calif.: Azizi I am a fellow Iranian and I am wondering how you're enjoying life in America? Is the culture and the style of life fitting for you and have you been surprised with the number of Iranians living in the USA?
Khodadad Azizi: I feel that the US is a lot better place, and a lot more comfortable than living in Europe or any other place else in the world, and establishing relations with Americans has been easier than any other country, especially Germany. Because of the number of Iranians I have met in the US--I have lived in San Jose .. where there are a lot--I don't see myself as an outsider. They support me everywhere I go, and I meet people. And I am very glad to be playing in a city where a lot of Iranians are living.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have for today with Khodadad Azizi. Best wishes in the All-Star game and with the rest of your MLS season.
Khodadad Azizi: Thank you very much. And to everyone else who has participated, a great day to all!
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