Zarei: U23 team has become a dignified family; federation showed full respect
U23 national defender: current camp in Antalya has created a family‑like atmosphere and that the federation has provided full support as the team aims to end years of failure on the road to Olympic qualification.
Zarei described the camp conditions as very good despite challenges. Many players had been away from competitive matches due to recent circumstances and the suspension of games caused by the imposed war with the Zionist and American enemy, affecting their physical and mental readiness. As a legionnaire who remained in match condition, Zarei praised his teammates and coaching staff for improving the team’s rhythm day by day.
Zarei said managing the fitness of players who had been away from team training was not easy, but the coaching staff worked patiently and with good planning. Legionnaires are trying to help raise training quality and team coordination.
About working with Hossein Abdi for the first time, Zarei noted that beyond technical matters, what impressed him most was Abdi’s personality and the spirit he has created in the team. “He tries to make all players feel comfortable together and manage the U23 team like a family,” Zarei said. He believes this is one of the most important factors for any team’s success.
Regarding the federation’s support, Zarei said: “The federation showed full respect to all members of the team with a charter flight and excellent facilities.” He emphasized that qualifying for the Olympics is a huge goal for Iranian football after many years of absence. All players, coaching staff and officials share the same objective: to end this long wait.
Zarei expressed hope that the 2028 Olympics will be a turning point for the new generation of Iranian football. “If we can qualify for the Olympics, it will be a great success for Iranian football and can affect the future of many players of this generation.”
