Ivankovic eyeing 2018 AFC Champions League success

AFC – MUSCAT, Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic insists his side have set their eyes on going far in next year’s edition of the AFC Champions League after bowing out of the 2017 competition at the semi-final stage with a 6-2 aggregate defeat against Al Hilal.

Ivankovic’s men are the first Iranian side to reach the semi-finals since Esteghlal in 2013 and the 63-year-old believes his side possess the foundations to go all the way next year with minor changes.

“We are very proud of reaching the semi-final. We needed time and hard work, but with adding two more players to our squad, we can go far again next year,” said Ivankovic.

“We missed a couple of players in the first leg and here again and that cost us, so more depth is needed.”

Reflecting on a night where his side flattered to deceive after taking an early lead, Ivankovic, who took over at Persepolis in 2015, lamented their luck in conceding before the break.

“After the first goal, we believed we could do it, but then we conceded a penalty. There is a big difference between going into the half-time break 1-0 or 1-1,” explained the Croatian.

“At 1-0, you push to get a second goal at the start of the second half, then the pressure is on the opponents, but at 1-1, we have to score six more goals to qualify and that is just not possible.”

Despite failing to win, Ivankovic remained upbeat about his team’s achievement in reaching the semi-finals.

“Of course, it is always a tough task to come back from 0-4 down, but we tried our best to end our AFC Champions League campaign with a win. I am proud of my team and the players’ performance.”

One player who shone brightly for Persepolis was striker Godwin Mensha.

The Nigerian was a constant nuisance for the Al Hilal defence and capped his game with two goals, earning himself the Man of The Match award.

“I congratulate my teammates because without them, I could not have played well. Everyone worked hard as a team.

“It is very difficult to turn around a 4-0 deficit, but we played well and deserved to win this game.”

Photos: Lagardère Sports