Mes hope Hilal have foot off the gas

AFC – KERMAN, Mes Kerman coach Luka Bonacic hopes the fact Al Hilal have already sewn up Group D will count in his side’s favour as they look to snatch the second spot in the AFC Champions League knockout stage from under the noses of Al Sadd.

Mes host Al Hilal at Shahid Bahonar Stadium on Tuesday knowing only victory will see the Iranians progress – and only if Al Sadd fail to win against Al Ain.

Bonacic, though, believes his side’s home form combined with an Al Hilal team that have nothing to play for can see them at least complete their end of the bargain.

“As I said earlier, Mes have recently experienced too many ups and downs. After some lacklustre showings, winning against Al Hilal can help us get back to our top level,” said the Croat (pictured).

“In the meantime, we will be awaiting the result of the other match in Doha to see who will finally make it to the next round from our group.

“We have not faltered against any opponents at home and we’ll do our best against the Saudis too.

“Al Hilal are certainly the best team in group D but we played well throughout the whole match in Saudi Arabia.

“Fortunately, they are at ease about their qualification and it might make it a bit easier for us to win, since they don’t have as much incentive as before.

“It’s true that in Saudi Arabia, the players cost a fortune for the clubs and such big money is never spent in football in Iran, but the level of football in Iran is way higher than the gulf countries.”

Bonacic, who is without the suspended Farhad Salaripour, was also calm over the potential for a favourable outcome for Al Sadd in the UAE.

“Like anywhere else in the football globe, we’ll be merely concentrating on our own match and won’t be distracted by such possibilities,” he added.

“I’m just hoping to hear good news from Doha by tomorrow afternoon.”

Al Hilal coach Eric Gerets, meanwhile, is suspended following his dismissal in the goalless draw with Al Sadd and the Belgian has not travelled with the team to Kerman.

However, assistant boss Reinhard Stumpf insisted the Saudis are out for nothing other than three points.

“We are currently topping the table in our group and we’ll be trying to show our abilities to our rivals once again,” he said.

“We don’t think about the other game. The rumours are not always true stories and we don’t pay any heed to what will be going on in Doha.

“We have travelled far to get here to beat Mes in Kerman and get back home with a good result from this game.

“I know Mes have played well at home but the result of the game will be only decided after the 90th minute of the match tomorrow afternoon.”