Ghalenoei cool on Sepahan’s ACL experience

AFC – ESFAHAN, Sepahan coach Amir Ghalenoei has dismissed talk his side’s AFC Champions League experience will give them an extra edge when they take on Al Jazira in their first home fixture of this year’s edition of Asia’s premier club competition on Tuesday.

The 2007 runners-up won their opening match of the tournament 2-1 at Al Hilal a fortnight ago to take the early leadership of Group A.

And while the Iranian side are expected to remain on their lofty perch Ghalenoei is preaching caution ahead of the tricky encounter against the United Arab Emirates league leaders.

Al Jazira drew their opening AFC Champions League match at home to Qatari side Al Gharafa but have strung together a four-match winning streak in their domestic league.

“We shouldn’t rely on our seven-year experience in the Champions League. We should look at each edition as a new challenge in trying to compete at our best level of performance,” Ghalenoei said.

“I don’t like talking about chances of qualifying or making predictions. I’m only concentrating on tomorrow’s game at the moment.

“We will play with different tactics during the game. The most important aspect for us is to gain and maintain good ball possession throughout the game.”

Ghalenoei, though, is wary of Al Jazira’s attacking strength.

“They have good strikers up front,” he added.

“We can’t allow their midfield to function well. Their strikers will not be very effective if the play-making duty is not appropriately carried out.”

When asked about how well he knew their opponents, he added: “We’re living in the world of internet and communications. It’s natural all teams have enough knowledge about their opponents these days.

“I know them pretty well. They’re currently top of the standings in the UAE Football League.  Al Jazira have good players and a professional coach in Abel Braga.”

Ghalenoei is being forced to juggle his squad at the moment as they battle on three fronts.

He is set to be without midfield regular Moharram Navidkia due to injury, although he expects Hadi Aghaili to be ready for action.

“According to our doctors, Hadi Aghaili will hopefully be fit,” he said.

“We are fighting in the Iran Professional League, the league cup and the ACL so it’s a must for me to have replacements of the same level as my regular players on the bench.”

Al Jazira have injury worries of their own with attacking midfielder  Matias Delgado out  and boss Abel Braga admitted his side are the underdogs after pointing out the strengths of the hosts.

“Sepahan are certainly the strongest team in Group A,” the Brazilian insisted.

“We are well aware with their playing style and I know it is going to be a tough game for us.

“Unfortunately we will be without Delgado and that’s where we may suffer.”

He added: “My counterpart in Sepahan (Ghalenoei) has outstanding abilities.

“I believe Sepahan did deserve to win their first match against Al Hilal. Sepahan exposed their weaknesses and finally managed to beat them.”

Despite Sepahan’s experience in Asia’s most prestigious club competition, the Al Jazira coach believes his team can still match the Iranians.

“Nothing is predictable in football, so despite Sepahan’s long experience in this tournament, I am hopeful we can play well,” he added.