Foolad Wants to Qualify for Next Stage As First Team: Nekounam
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – With three crucial matches remaining, Foolad head coach Javad Nekounam says they want to qualify for the next stage of the 2022 AFC Champions League as the first team.
He hoped that his team will play to its true potential starting with Ahal FC in Group C at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
The Iranian side had to dig deep to defeat the 10-man Turkmenistan side in injury time just three days ago and a double victory against its rival will put them right on track to advance to the next stage.
Foolad currently sits second in Group C on five points, behind Al-Gharafa who leads on goal difference.
“We do not want to be in our current position because we want to qualify as the first team. That’s why we need to work harder and put our full attention on the next match. We played against it (Ahal FC) three days ago and we know each other better.
“We will change our tactics and play in a different style. It would have been better if we had more time to prepare but in this short period, it demands more concentration to gain all three points,” Nekounam said.
“The match will be difficult. We know the importance of the match and what we need to do in order to gain three points. Ahal FC will do anything to win and that’s why our work will be much harder,” he added.