Denizli calls on fans to back Persepolis

TEHRAN TIMES – TEHRAN, Persepolis football coach Mustafa Denizli has asked for the club’s fans to support their team in the match against Esteghlal in the Tehran derby on Thursday.
 
Speaking at a news conference held at the Iran’s League Organization, Denizli said: “Esteghlal is a well-prepared team at the moment, however, we are also strong and I hope that we are the happy team after the final whistle,” Denizli said.
 
“In my opinion, the match against Esteghlal could be a turning point for Persepolis,” he added. “Persepolis has lost its past four successive matches and we want to bring to an end to our defeats.”
 
“As a coach, I never think about a draw and I want to win the match. We are going to defeat Esteghlal to make our fans happy,” the 63-year-old said.
 
Alireza Faghani has been appointed the referee for Thursday’s derby meeting between Persepolis and Esteghlal.
 
Esteghlal and Persepolis have played against each other 73 times, with Esteghlal winning 25 games, Persepolis taking 17 victories, and 31 matches ending in a draw.