Bonacic looks for ACL lift

AFC – KERMAN, Mes Kerman coach Luka Bonacic is counting on a successful AFC Champions League run to provide the inspiration for his side to secure their top-flight future in Iran.

Mes go into the Group D clash with Al Ahli at Shahid Bahonar Stadium on the back of a poor domestic season that sees them mired in relegation trouble.

While the visit of the UAE side may provide a welcome distraction for the players, Boncic (pictured) hopes a positive result will kick-start their survival bid.

“Fortunately I have enough experience in the Asian Champions League competition but unfortunately Mes is not currently in good situation,” said the 54-year-old, who took Mes’ Iranian rivals Sepahan to the final of the 2007 AFC Champions League.

“My team is now like someone treading on thin ice, the situation is rather unstable. These are not ordinary circumstances but we still do our best to produce an impeccable performance in the continental competition.

“You know, the motivation comes from the name, it’s held at an international level, that’s enough motivation for our players to give their best efforts to perform well.

“After getting the result we want from Wednesday’s game, we’ll then focus again on the domestic league matches to try to survive.

“I have been trying to reinforce the defence. I know we have conceded many goals already but I’m still working on this weakness.”

However, Bonacic may have to do without key striker Edinho due to injury but the Croatian coach is confident his side can overcome the Brazilian’s absence.

“In any team in the world you always find some players who are more important than the rest but above all is the team-work, spirit and the friendship among all players,” he added.

“We may not be able to use him but we have a great determination to win the game, especially when we can take advantage of being at home.

UAE League champions Al Ahli appointed coach Dutchman Henk Ten Cate earlier this month and with the club out of the running for the domestic title, defender Adel Abdulaziz underlined they are now hungry for AFC Champions League glory.

“Last season we won two trophies but this year we’ve had many ups and downs and we are not going to win the title this year,” he said.

“That means we are now concentrating fully on the AFC Champions League to compensate for our lacklustre domestic performance.

“We will not be intimidated by Mes’ fans and the atmosphere in the stadium. I believe we are experienced enough not to be distracted by them.”

Meanwhile, Al Ahli’s Iranian international Mehrzad Madanchi revealed Ten Cate has already made his presence felt at the club.

“He only took charge a short while ago but he has made big changes in the team,” he revealed.

“He’s a great coach and we all believe in his coaching abilities. I know it won’t be easy playing in front of a load of frenzied fans but we won’t give up for sure.”