Snapping winless streak settles Sepahan

AFC – ESFAHAN, Sepahan’s recent win in the Iran Pro League has calmed the nerves of their players who will now be seeking victory in Wednesday’s 2011 AFC Champions League clash with Al Hilal at the Foolad Shahr to remain top of Group A, according to head coach Amir Ghalenoei.

A 1-0 win away against Sanat Naft was their first victory in three games but Ghalenoei believes the Champions League game will be a difficult one.

“The situation of tomorrow’s match will be tough for both teams because they want to be at the top of Group A,” he said.

“We managed to overcome Al Hilal in our first match and were able to perform very well. But for tomorrow we have analysed the strong points of Al Hilal’s attacking play and explained to our defenders how to resist them.”

Ghalenoei wants the Sepahan fans to fill the stadium with their presence and support the team and is sure they are going to face Al Hilal full of confidence, coming on the back of his side’s win in the domestic league.

“Too many holidays have affected our team and my players have been under too much pressure lately. We don’t have Yanoush and Jamshidian and the latter is supposed to go to Bayern Munich’s clinic for treatment,” he added.

Ghalenoei also insisted he was in an enviable position as manager of the club who have enjoyed success in recent years.

“Any coach wants to work for Sepahan because they have been Iran’s best football club in recent years due to their good management. Two years ago when I came here I had an offer which was double in wage but I decided to choose Sepahan. I am also thanking Mr Saket [Sepahan’s chairman] for his support,” he said.

Al Hilal’s Argentinian boss Gabriel Calderon is also expecting a tough match as they look to edge above their Iranian hosts in the table.

“Tomorrow we will have a difficult match but we will step into the game for the victory,” he said.

“All the Iranian teams play good football but I have to say that the games in AFC Champions league are all hard. I came here six months ago and I am happy to work here.”

Calderon also confirmed Swedish international Christian Wilhelmsson has travelled with the squad but will not feature, but insisted he would send his players out looking for a win.

“It is hard to predict this match so I can’t give a prediction, but I ensure you we will play for all the three points,” he added.