Abdollahi, “We are happy with Koch”

PLDC - The Esteghlal Tehran and Malavan Anzali match in the fifth week of the Professional League on Thursday, 21/11/2002, has been postponed to Tuesday, 26/11/2002, because of the upcoming Esteghlal and Naftchi return leg of the Asian Clubs Super Cup in Uzbekistan, on Friday the 22nd.

Nasrollah Abdollahi, Esteghlal chairman commented to the press in this regard, “At present Esteghlal is following up its practice sessions intensively and we are optimistic about the defeat of Naftchi on their home turf. Despite our problems, we are thinking only of victory.”

“The root of the recent problems of the club has been the presence of 25 matched players, the coming of a new coach who is not familiar with the players and the match conditions in Iran. These have prevented us from presenting acceptable and professional performances but with the present trend of the team, these problems will be reduced in the future and the real ability of the team will come to the fore.”

“The Professional League and the Elimination Cup are both highly important to Esteghlal and we will try to win in both tournaments. If the club ever feels in need of a new coach, we will take the necessary action immediately, but at present we are happy with Ronald Koch.”