Media reports suggest that Iran has been linked with the former Russia volleyball team coach because the team has been without a coach since parting ways with Igor Kolakovic in March.

The 53-year-old coach has most recently worked as head coach of Zenit Kazan.

“Iran volleyball federation negotiated with me but my answer is no. I need more time to think about taking charge of the Iran volleyball team,” Alekno said.

In the Olympic Games, Iran has been drawn in Pool A along with Japan, Poland, Italy, Canada, and Venezuela.

Pool B consists of Brazil, USA, Russia, Argentina, France, and Tunisia.

Iran volleyball team has been without a coach since parting ways with Igor Kolakovic in March.

Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Volleyball Federation (IRIVF) Mohammad Reza Davarzani had said the federation is going to hire a big coach since Team Melli is looking for a medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Now, Davarzani says the federation has negotiated with former Russia coach Alekno.

The 53-year-old coach has most recently worked as head coach of Zenit Kazan.

In the Olympic Games, Iran has been drawn in Pool A along with Japan, Poland, Italy, Canada and Venezuela.

Pool B consists of Brazil, USA, Russia, Argentina, France, and Tunisia.