On 8 October 2006, upon sudden leave of Saipa's German coach Werner Lorant, he was appointed as the interim manager of Saipa.
He was later officially announced as the full-time manager.
On 28 May, Saipa became the Persian Gulf Cup champions in Daei's first season at the helm.
Going into his second season as manager Daei relinquished his playing duties for the defending champions and found himself on the sidelines full-time.
The results of Saipa's 2007–2008 campaign were not nearly as successful as his team finished 11th in the 18 team Iran Pro League table.
However Daei did lead Saipa to an Asian Champions League quarterfinal birth before leaving to take over as the full-time manager of the Iranian national football team.
On 8 October 2006, upon sudden leave of Saipa's German coach Werner Lorant, he was appointed as the interim manager of Saipa. He was later officially announced as the full-time manager. On 28 May, Saipa became the Persian Gulf Cup champions in Daei's first season at the helm. Going into his second season as manager Daei relinquished his playing duties for the defending champions and found himself on the sidelines full-time. The results of Saipa's 2007–2008 campaign were not nearly as successful as his team finished 11th in the 18 team Iran Pro League table. However Daei did lead Saipa to an Asian Champions League quarterfinal birth before leaving to take over as the full-time manager of the Iranian national football team.
Ali Daei