Piroozi playing for points and pride says Daei

AFC – TEHRAN, Piroozi boss Ali Daei insisted his side would not feel the pressure of Tuesday’s vital 2011 AFC Champions League clash against Group C leaders Al Ittihad at the Azadi Stadium, where defeat could spell the end of their Asian adventure.

A 3-1 home defeat by Bunyodkor last time out sees the Tehran club perilously placed at the bottom of the group with just two points from four games, three behind the Uzbeks.

Victory over their Saudi opponents is therefore critical and Daei stressed his players would not be affected by the gravity of the situation.

“Al Ittihad are a very good team and although have shown that they are the best in the group, we don’t look at our position in the table,“ he said.

“We will play for our own pride and all three points. Anything is possible in football but we will seek victory.

“We watched their game against Al Wahda where they also only played with one forward but it is too soon to know what their system will be.

“I hope as soon as we understand their playing system, we will analyse it to get all the possible points.”

Alireza Mohammad is suspended after being sent-off against Bunyodkor while Piroozi also have a number of injury worries.

“We have been facing such situations since the start of the season and have had many injured and suspended players,” added Daei.

“Fortunately we will have only one suspended but unluckily we have three injured players.

“Because we have a great number of injured and suspended players, we will have to implement some changes in our squad like our game against Mes (in the Iran Pro League), but we will try to send out the best team for the match.”

Daei is also keen for the home fans to turn out in force.

“I have a sport vision in regards to the concerns of the team. That’s what everyone knows, I will tell them to come watch the game and support only their own team.” he added.

Al Ittihad, on the other hand, are already through to the knockout stage and look certain to also top the group despite the goalless draw at home to Al Wahda in their last game.

However, due to the team’s late arrival, the Al Ittihad press conference was unfortunately cancelled.