Extensive interview with Iranian int’l and Kairat star Hossein Tayyebi at the site fut5al.ir.
Q: What was your reason for staying with Kairat this season?
A: I received offers from other teams, but I decided to stay because my first goal was to play in the European finals. I knew that Kairat was one of the best teams in Europe and could even be champion. I’ve worked hard to fit into the team year after year.
Q: You played against Barcelona in the semi-finals and you even scored a goal.
A: I did not know I was supposed to play against Barcelona. The day before the game I went to practice but could not really practice. Of course, the clashes in these games are so intense, frequent and dangerous. I eventually played through the pain just because I wanted to represent Iran well and experience the European finals.
Q: Given how many seasons you have played outside of Iran, is there the possibility of you returning to the Iranian league next season?
A: I’d like to stay in Europe for my own specific reasons. I’m always looking for good futsal events. I would like to play in futsal at the highest level and take part in the best futsal events, wherever they take place.
Q: In your opinion, which country has the best and most attractive futsal league in the world? And would you like to play there?
A: The best and most attractive football league in the world belongs to Spain. I’d like to play the league there. Of course, our team defeated the Spanish champion Barcelona in the European Championship with a 5-2 result, so I don’t think that it would be a good idea to play at just any Spanish league club. According to all players, Kairat – the team I’m at – is undoubtedly one of the top four teams in the world.
Q: You also have experience in the Russian league. What are the differences between the leagues in Iran, Russia and Kazakhstan?

A: The Iranian league is technically one of the five best in the world, but it is also one of the weakest leagues in the world in terms of facilities. Asian leagues are much better than us. The Russian league has constant games and little rest. Russia has a great league because it keeps players in great condition. There are two consecutive games in Russia every week. This routine has been implemented in Kazakhstan for two years and they have made significant progress.
Q: How do you rate the Iran futsal national team?
A: Things are different for the national team this year because we have a World Cup qualifier (coming up next year). All teams are trying to capture the World Cup. One example is how much Asian teams are progressing. Vietnam sent eight players to train in the Spanish league and is striving to be in ideal condition for the AFC Championship. This shows that all teams are trying. Japan can be expected to play training matches with good European teams. True, we are Iran and a respected team, but we also have to try harder and have good training camps. Playing with big teams is good for the Iran national team. Mr. Nazemoshariah (national team coach) does good work and gives young people the opportunity to demonstrate their ability.
Q: But Iran was responsible for losing the great opportunity to play friendlies with Brazil.
A: That was a big loss. We’ve lost our credentials in the eyes of Brazil and I don’t think it will be easy for us to play with them anymore. It was a bad thing.
Fuente: fut5al.ir

