Al Duhail’s players taking part in a practice session ahead of their AFC Champions League quarter-finals second leg match against Iran’s Persepolis which will be played at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, Iran today.
TEHRAN: Qatar football giants Al Duhail will be aiming for an outright win in their return AFC Champions League quarter-final clash against hosts Persepolis, team coach Nabil Maaloul said yesterday.
In the first leg two weeks ago, Al Duhail beat Iranian outfit Persepolis 1-0 to grab advantage going into the second leg to be played today at Azadi Stadium.
“Al Duhail has completely forgotten the outcome of the first leg against Persepolis. We will enter the second leg with a clear and specific aim and that is to win and reach the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League,” Maaloul said at a pre-match press conference yesterday.
When asked about the possibility of playing for a draw, Maaloul said: “The attitude of this team, the potential of my players and my philosophy in training do not make me play in a defensive manner. We will play to win this game. The best we can do is balanced performance and put pressure on the opponents and work to reach the net.”
The Tunisian added: “We do not look at the previous results achieved by the team. We are in front. We must show the required form and come out with the result that takes us to the next round of this big competition. We know that the levels among all the clubs that have reached this stage is tough. We also know that in football you can have only three things - a win, a draw or a defeat.”
“We are expecting a tough game, but it will not only be difficult for Al Duhail only but for Persepolis also,” Maaloul added. “We will enter the game with the aim of winning the match,” he added.
“We are playing this stage of the tournament for the first time. Our players are ready to do well. The most focused team is the one who will eventually win this clash. The competitive levels of both side is very close. We know that the Iranian club will depend on the support of their crowd. Teams rely on the support of their fans for such games,” he said.
“We also know that physical fitness also plays a key role in such matches. Our confidence is and we will fight on the pitch at the stadium,” the Al Duhail coach said.
“Such games will be very tactical. Our players must carry out the plans prepared. We should close out the space for Persepolis players. They have a number of injuries and key players are likely to be absent,” the coach of the Qatari outfit said.
“Then there are suspensions also. We have (central defender) Karim Boudiaf back for us. He is an important member in the squad for us. His presence is key,” Al Maloul said.
“Although our preparation for this match was simple because of the presence of our players with the Qatari national team but overall we are ready for the game,” the coach said.
