Mansourian Concerned Fatigue a Factor for Group B Leaders Naft

AFC – TEHRAN, Naft Tehran coach Ali Reza Mansourian is hoping fatigue does not derail his side’s hopes of advancing to the knockout phase of the AFC Champions League as they prepare to take on Pakhtakor on Wednesday.

The Iranian side top Group B with seven points, one point clear of last year’s semi-finalists Al Ain with Pakhtakor in third a point further adrift and victory for Mansourian’s side will take them into the last 16 of the 2015 continental championship.

But with the Iran league currently reaching its climax, the former FIFA World Cup midfielder is concerned his side will start to feel the effects of a difficult schedule.

“We are playing every three days, which is very tough and I think we are playing in the English Premier League,” said Mansourian (pictured).

“Pakhtakor is one of the best teams in this group and we have a very difficult match tomorrow against them. They are a disciplined team but we will fight to take the three points which will guarantee our qualification.”

Naft lost the previous encounter between the two teams in Tashkent on Matchday One when Pakhtakor notched up a 2-1 win, but since then the Iranians have dropped only two points thanks to a 1-1 draw with Al Ain.

That leaves Mansourian’s team on the verge of progressing to the next phase and the coach is relishing the challenge that lies ahead.

“I hope my players know the importance of this game and give their best because we are playing for Iran so we have to get the three points,” he said. “I love big, difficult games because they challenge me and I will improve my coaching skills and knowledge. At the end I gain experience.”

Pakhtakor know victory will enhance their hopes of qualifying for the Round of 16 and coach Samvel Babayan is not underestimating the challenge that lies ahead for his team as they seek only their second win of the competition so far this season.

“We know Naft are a very good team,” he said. “We played against them in Tashkent and it was a difficult match. They have won their last two games in the AFC Champions League so they will definitely keen to make it three in a row.

“I believe we have to mix physical strength with technical points, but we are the youngest team in the tournament and my players need time to improve.

“I believe each team has the chance of qualifying until the final round. I’ve seen it before when a team has gained just one point in the first round but in the other matches they put in strong performances and made it to the knockout stage.”