Ebrahimzadeh cautions against complacency

AFC – ESFAHAN, Zob Ahan boss Mansour Ebrahimzadeh has warned his side to be wary of a desperate Al Rayyan when they host the Qataris at the Foolad Shahr in Group D of the 2011 AFC Champions League.

Last year’s finalists have again singled themselves out as one of the teams to watch in this year’s edition of the continental showcase having won two and drawn one of their three games to top the table.

They go into the game having seen off Tuesday’s opponents 3-1 last time out in Doha but with Al Rayyan needing all three points to keep their last 16 hopes alive, Ebrahimzadeh urged his men not to take them lightly.

“The AFC Champions League has its own special circumstances and we should do our best to reach the goal we are aiming at,” he said.

“Since we were runners-up in the previous edition all teams play against us with extra incentive.

“We should be cautious not to underestimate the Qataris. Winning the first leg match away in Qatar is no reason to think that we can defeat them again at home, unless we play at our full capacity and strength. I hope we can follow the same path as we did in Qatar.

“This is the very last chance for Al Rayyan to survive in the continental tournament, so they’ll be doing their best to get some points from this match.”

Ebrahimzadeh will also have to do without Ghasem Hadadifar with the influential midfielder suspended for the clash.

“Ghasem Hadadifar is certainly a notable absence for Tuesday’s match but the other players should give their best efforts to make up for that,” he added.

“I am certain Al Rayyan are not here to lose. Nothing is predictable in football and all teams should be respected in my point of view.”

Al Rayyan boss Paulo Autuori did not attempt to play down the importance of the encounter to his side.

“It’s obvious we will be knocked out of the tournament if we lose. That’s why we are only focusing on getting maximum points from the game tomorrow,” he said.

“My team’s age average is only 20 which means we have young and powerful lads who can run much more than Zob Ahan’s players and that’s an advantage for us.

“What we want from Tuesday’s clash is merely a win and fortunately, we have got enough motivation for that.”

Al Rayyan go into the clash having finished the Qatar Stars League season on a high note with victory over champions Lekhwiya.

Autuori, though, insisted that would have no bearing against Zob Ahan.

“A victory in Qatar’s domestic league has nothing to do with the game tomorrow, because on Tuesday the competition and opponents will be different,” he added.

“Anyway, our recent win at home can boost our morale to play Zob Ahan. I can’t make any evaluations about our group, I’d rather make predictions only after tomorrow’s match.”