Mazloomi calls for cool heads

AFC – TEHRAN, Esteghlal head coach Parviz Mazloomi has urged his team to avoid becoming overly physical when they take on Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan at the Azadi Stadium in search of a first win in AFC Champions League Group B.

Both sides are desperate for three points having drawn one and lost one each so far in the group, with Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia and Qatar’s Al Sadd both sitting on four points after three games.

Mazloomi said: “Of course we know that Pakhtakor are a really good team and they are very strong physically. They will come into this match seeking victory.

“We have analysed our opponent’s matches and familiarised ourselves with their set-up. We want our players to use individual and group tactics instead of physical challenges.”

Asked whether the desire for victory would prompt him to use more forward players, Mazloomi countered: “Considering our position in the table we don’t want to play emotional football. What we want is a logical and planned approach against Pakhtakor to obtain the three points.”

Mojtaba Jabari looks set to return for the Iranian side after Mazloomi confirmed he was now free to play having been sanctioned for a breach of discipline.

“His punishment is finished and he has been training with us for a few days,” the Esteghlal boss added.

“We didn’t use him against Persepolis because he wasn’t physically fit enough in time but according to our fitness trainer he is ready and physically fit for the Pakhtakor match and will be used if needed.

Hanif Omranzadeh is suspended after the 25-year-old incurred two yellow cards while the injured quartet of Vahid Talebloo, Pejman Montazeri, Mehdi Amirabadi and Farhad Majidi will be assessed by Mazloomi before the match.

Pakhtakor coach Ravshan Khaydarov is expecting a challenging but exciting contest.

“This a very important game and with both sides having earned only one point they will try to be triumphant in the match,” he said.

“Pakhtakor as well as Esteghlal urgently need the three points and this will be a good reason for the fans, especially Esteghlal supporters, to come and see a beautiful football match tomorrow. I myself expect a hard but beautiful game.

“Both teams have been playing good football and have earned good points in their local leagues, especially Esteghlal, who overcame Piroozi which was a spiritual lift for them and this will make the game tough for us.

“Esteghlal are one the best Iranian teams and one of the best in Asia. They are in the third place at the moment in their domestic league and still one of the contenders for the championship. Although they weren’t that successful against Al Sadd and Al Nassr, they will try to forget all their failures.”

Khaydarov played down Pakhtakor’s chances, insisting his was a squad in transition.

“Unfortunately Pakhtakor’s slump and downfall are due to the almost complete change in the squad and some of our new players haven’t had the required experience in the AFC Champions League which has made the situation hard for us.

“But I can assure you we are not weak and an already-defeated team. We will play to gain the victory.”