Persepolis seek ACL perfect ending: Branko Ivankovic

Tehran Times – TEHRAN, Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic says they are well prepared for their first leg against Japan’s Kashima Antlers in the AFC Champions League final since they want to have a perfect ending in the competition.

Both teams will be playing in the AFC Champions League final for the first time, with Kashima Antlers hosting the first leg on Nov. 3.

The Iranian giants will host Kashima on Nov. 10 in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.

The Japanese side edged Korea Republic’s Suwon Samsung Bluewings 6-5 on aggregate in the semi-finals while Persepolis ended the challenge of Qatar’s Al Sadd, winning the two-leg clash 2-1 on aggregate.

“Our players are well prepared for the match against Kashima. They are physically and mentally prepared for the challenge. We have the ambition and I trust my players. Everybody can be ambitious and I am waiting for the best moment of my life,” Ivankovic said.

“We analyze Kashima Antlers in their two matches against Suwon Samsung but we will play according to our philosophy and the way we know how to play,” the Croat added.

“Persepolis have played the West Asian teams like Al Duhail and Al Sadd who are aggressive and play attacking football. They work to have a better attacking line. Persepolis will also keep playing attacking football. We know that we will have a difficult task against Kashima but we’re going to fulfil our dreams.

“Kashima’s style of football is different from the West Asian teams. They are more technical than the West Asian teams and have signed creative players like Serginho. The Brazilian forward helps Kashima in both scoring and assists,” Ivankovic stated.

Persepolis coach is unsure about Ahmad Nourollahi who injured in the second leg against Al Sadd.