AFC
Al Gharafa head coach Andrea Stramaccioni expects his young charges to rise to the occasion against a more experienced Foolad Khouzestan FC in their opening AFC Champions League 2022™ Group C match at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium on Thursday.
It has been a bittersweet experience for Stramaccioni since taking charge in 2021, leading the Qatari side to the Amir Cup final before tasting defeat against Al Duhail last month. But a return to the AFC Champions League for the first time since 2018 will provide a boost in morale.
“We need to raise our level and mentality and put our younger players in a different situation because the experience of playing in the AFC Champions League will make them grow. In a way we have nothing to lose because this is a starting point and not the point of arrival,” said Stramaccioni.
“When I was appointed, they knew I played in the 3-4-3 formation, a system that needed time to grow with a clear philosophy and for players to adapt. My players have reacted well to the new methodology in training so it is a good start.”
The well-travelled Italian tactician, who has had coaching stints with various European clubs including Inter Milan, Udinese and Sparta Prague, will meet a familiar opponent whom he faced when managing Islamic Republic of Iran club Esteghlal in 2019.
“Foolad is a team that is well developed and has players with experience of playing in the AFC Champions League. We will not change our style, we will be ready because even though they are strong, they have weak points. Any mistake can change the game instantly,” Stramaccioni explained.
Accomplished former IR Iran player-turned-coach Javad Nekounam has warned his rivals that Foolad Khouzestan will be a different outfit compared to last year where they failed to progress past the Group Stage.
“This season we are a different team. For two season we could not sign any players but this year we signed quality players. Our goal last year was to quality to the Group Stage from the Playoffs and we did that.
“This season we will fight and give our best performance on the pitch. This is a tough group but we know what to expect. In the last three years, I did my best to form a respectful and disciplined team and now we are ready.”
Nekounam expects a thrilling encounter when the two sides meet on Thursday.
“They have a very well-known coach in IR Iran and one of the best international players from our country.
“We must focus on their key players because we know they have the potential to change the result in an instant.”