New and improved Esteghlal will reach quarter-finals, says Djeparov

AFC – TEHRAN, There will be no repeat of their last 16 heartbreak 12 months ago, according to Uzbek star midfielder Server Djeparov, when Esteghlal face compatriots Zobahan in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday.

Iranian giants Esteghlal reached the knockout stage in the 2017 edition of the continental competition and, despite winning the first leg against Al Ain 1-0, would crash out of the AFC Champions League in dramatic fashion after a comprehensive 6-1 defeat in the United Arab Emirates.

A year later, the Tehran powerhouse are once again at the same stage, this time against countrymen Zobahan, but their two-time AFC Player of the Year Server Djeparov is confident lightning won’t strike twice.

“Last year our team was different, we’ve completed changed this year,” said Uzbekistan’s most capped player.

“A new coach, new players, we have a great side and I think we will get past the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League this time.”

The midfielder, who was part of the side that lifted the Hazfi Cup on Thursday after a 1-0 defeat of Khooneh be Khooneh, also stressed the importance of experienced coach Winnie Schafer to the team’s fine recent run, which saw Esteghlal qualify from Group D undefeated.

“Coach Winnie Schafer is a German, and his style of football reflects that,” added Djeparov.

“He is a very tactical coach and we play a technical game with many combinations across the pitch.

“He is also very good communicator; he talks with each player individually and helps us grow together as a team. You can see in our results the effect he has had.”