Can't unlock Ifrit Hard Mode (completed storyline)

[Acheros]

i got to lvl 50, beat the last dungeon and got through the credits... i was told you can talk to thancred immediately after and do the quest "ifrit bleeds, we can kill it" my problem is he doesn't have the quest for me. is there something i missed?

edit: maybe it has to do with my item level? my guildies are going to make me some new gear to see if thats why...