Skocic slams side after ‘bitter defeat’

AFC – ESFAHAN, Al Nassr coach Dragan Skocic felt his side gifted Zob Ahan their 4-1 victory in the last 16 of the 2011 AFC Champions League as last season’s finalists continued their march through this season’s competition.

Mohammad Ghazi and Igor Castro took advantage of some woeful defending to give Zob Ahan a two-goal lead inside the opening five minutes before Castro extended the advantage midway through the second-half.

Zob Ahan keeper Shahab Gordan then allowed Bader Al Motawaa to net Al Nassr’s only goal before Shaahin Kheiri’s 30-yard thunderbolt 16 minutes from the end extinguished any hopes of an Al Nassr comeback.

The Saudis also had Hussain Sulaimani sent-off on the stroke of full time and Skocic was furious at his team after the game.

“I’d like to congratulate Zob Ahan on the win, this was a bitter defeat for us,” he said.

“They scored two early goals and caught us off guard. We could have changed the proceedings of the game but it never happened. I’m really angry with the result.

“In games like this, experience of the players is your winning factor. We did have a couple of chances throughout the game but Khalatbari and Castro played brilliantly and their experience imposed the loss on us.

“My own team gave away the victory to the Iranians. I haven’t heard a thing about club’s decision to sack me but I believe as a coach I have done all my duties well and if the club still believes I am at fault for the defeat, they can make whatever decision they wish.”

Zob Ahan manager Mansour Ebrahimzadeh pinpointed the two early strikes as key to their triumph.

“I could guess that they would be playing cautiously in the beginning, so we took a chance and fortunately scored twice in five minutes,” he said.

“During some minutes of the half we lost our mastery over the game and Al Nassr because they were playing quite defensively. However, our control was regained afterwards.

“I don’t know what will happen the next season. I am not sure if I will be here as the coach or not. However, I wish Zob Ahan all the best with the rest of the competition.

“I know what most Iranians would hope to see in the Champions League; an all-Iranian final.”