Ebrahimzadeh: Zob Ahan in the firing line

AFC – RIYADH, Zob Ahan head coach Mansour Ebrahimzadeh believes every team in the AFC Champions League will be out to beat his side after reaching the final last year.

The Iranian side travel to Saudi Arabia to take on Al Shabab on Wednesday looking to build on their win over Emirates in their opening Group D clash.

“All teams in Asia including Al Shabab are determined to stop last year’s runners-up,” said Ebrahimzadeh.

“Generally I believe all teams in the AFC Champions League are strong. I have studied their recent games. They haven’t played for 10 days but our last match was six days ago.

“Although there’s a lot of pressure on us, we will go into the game with discipline.”

Ebrahimzadeh stressed his side will be looking to continue their 100% record in the tournament so far.

“It’s the third year in a row we have come to Saudi Arabia to play against team from here like Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Al Shabab,” he added.

“Al Shabab progressed very well in the AFC Champions League last year. We will be at full strength to play against them and will do our best to beat them.

“I am hopeful the football we play tomorrow will meet the level of the Champions League.”

“The fact that we are leading the standings in Iran’s Professional League shows we have got ability but Al Shabab have good players too.

“We promise to do our best to get the success we are looking for.”

Al Shabab boss Enzo Trossero admitted his side faced a tough ask tomorrow.

“Tomorrow’s game in very important for us,” said the former Argentina international.

“Al Shabab will play against a team who have good ability and who we respect a lot.

“Zob Ahan have kept many good players from last year. Last year, we played twice against Ebrahimzadeh, but what will define the winner of tomorrow’s game is the 90 minutes on the pitch.”

He added: “Zob Ahan is only one point ahead of the second-placed team in the Iran Professional League. We are in fifth place in our standings, but we still have one game in hand.

“However, these statistics will not determine the result of the game tomorrow and they are not a big deal to me. What is important is the 90 minutes on the pitch tomorrow afternoon.”