Esteghlal boss calls on fans to lift team

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.