Esteghlal coach Mansour
Pourheidari has called on Iranian fans to give his side the boost they
need as they host the Asian Club Championship semi-finals in April. "We
will need the firm and overwhelming support of a packed stadium in this
campaign," he said.
The semi-finals, which see Esteghal take on South Korean side Anyang LG
and Uzbekistan's Nasaf Karsi face Suwon Samsung of Korea, will be held in
the 120-000 capacity Azadi Stadium in Tehran between April 3 and April 5,
and Pourheidari is optimistic of success.
"The recent domestic break and our recent injury problems will certainly
impact upon us, " he said. "We will have to cope with the absence of
Alireza Nikbakht Vahedi, who is suspended, and Mojahed Khazaravi with his
recurring knee problems so we will have to rely heavily on the great
support of the fans "
And. Even with home support, Pourheidari knows his side are facing a tough
task against Anyang. "They are a fine side," he said. "They boast some
entertaining players from Russia and Brazil, and at this stage of the
competition, you have to approach any Korean side in a professional way.
"We have to cope with their speed and stamina - two aspects you would
always associate with the Korean game."
Esteghlal, who are holding a two-week training camp in Tehran, are hunting
their third continental title.
|