Jamaica Gleaner - Coach Miguel Coley says he is excited about his experience in Iran, after touching down in the Middle Eastern country to begin his tenure as assistant coach of Esteghlal FC, where he will again team up with former Reggae Boyz head coach Winfried Schafer.
Coley is expecting the language barrier to pose the biggest challenge but is embracing the test, which he expects will serve to develop his abilities and inspire other young Jamaican coaches.
"I am very excited about the move. Knowing I will be coaching in a different country that is at the World Cup and that I will be coaching in the Asian Champions League," said Coley, shortly after his arrival in the country earlier this week.
"My greatest challenge will be the language, but through the interpreter, I will be fine. Plus I am a professional, I have to adapt and learn quickly. As it relates to my professional development, it's a step in the right direction," added Coley, who also assisted Sch‰fer in the Reggae Boyz set-up.
"As a coach, (this move) broadens my horizon and scope on the game to fully and highly concentrate on football on a high level.
Dynamic Game
The game is constantly changing, and being in an environment as this will propel my thinking to new levels and to improve my overall discipline and attitude towards details," said Coley, who led Jamaica College to five straight Manning Cup and Olivier Shield titles, plus Walker Cup and Super Cup crowns before taking his education to the next side of the world.
"I look forward to working with coach Sch‰fer as he is the one that brought global attention to me as a coach. He gives room to learn and express one's opinion, and he is very honest," added Coley.
"I hope young coaches can look on and see that there are many opportunities outside at a high level and continue being honest to their players, work and respect their fellow coaches and continue to make football in our country better," he added.
Esteghlal played to a 1-1 draw in the Persian Gulf Pro League yesterday and currently sit fifth in the league standings.
Coley was not on the bench as he is yet to receive his ID card.
Esteghlal are two-time AFC Champions League winners and have won the Iranian League on eight occasions.