Mansourian Bemoans Packed Schedule as Group B Goes Down to the Wire

AFC – TEHRAN, Naft Tehran coach Alireza Mansourian was left regretting his team’s inability to pick up all three points against Pakhtakor on Wednesday as the outcome of Group B of the AFC Champions League goes down to the wire.

Neither of the two berths from the group in the Round of 16 have been determined with five matches played, leaving the former Iran international midfielder frustrated as a difficult schedule in both the AFC Champions League and the domestic league takes its toll.

“We fought hard to take the three points but unfortunately we were held to a draw,” said Mansourian. “Pakhtakor came here for a win and everyone knows how tough our group is.

“With this result everything will be decided on the last day, which is the thing we didn’t want at all.”

“Our goal is to remain at the top of the table so we will play for the three points in the last match against Al Ain. I’m not happy with the result, we should have taken the three points but on the other hand I’m happy we are still the favourites to qualify from this group.”

Gholamreza Rezaei put Naft in front after 25 minutes only for Vladimir Kozak to level for the Uzbeks nine minutes before the halftime break, leaving both clubs frustrated with the outcome.

“After a heavy defeat against Zob Ahan in the league it was very important for us to beat Pakhtakor so my players could regain their confidence,” said Mansourian. “Another important thing in this match was that I had to rest some of my key players who were in the starting line-up for the last eight matches.

“We are under a lot of pressure because we will play both in the Iran league and the AFC Champions League with all of our strength. We have played eight matches during the last 30 days and that is damaging the physical form of our players.”

The draw moves Naft on to eight points from five games with Pakhtakor on six meaning both clubs go into the final round of group matches with the opportunity to progress.

“Both teams had a very difficult game but the fans enjoyed a wonderful match with a lot of chances at both ends,” said Pakhtakor coach Samvel Babayan.

“Now both teams still have the chance of qualifying with this result. We could have won the match although we had a very good performance in defence.

“All of the teams in this group have the chance to qualify but tonight’s match between Al Shabab and Al Ain will decide everything, after that I can tell you which two teams would progress to the next round.”