Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Al Hilal coach Giorgos Donis will not be taking his team’s forward line for granted as the Riyadh-based club go into their first leg of their AFC Champions League Round of 16 meeting with Persepolis on Tuesday.
The Saudi side, who reached the final of the AFC Champions League in 2014, scored nine times in their six group matches as they topped Group C ahead of Al Sadd from Qatar but face off against the Iranians without the suspended Nassir Al Shamrani.
“It's true we've scored many goals in our group stage campaign, but no one can predict the result of a football match,” said the Greek coach, who replaced Romanian Laurentiu Reghecampf at the helm in March.
“Anyway, we will try our best to put on a good performance on the pitch and hopefully get a positive result. I am confident everyone in the stadium will enjoy the game.”
Al Hilal go into the game having finished the Saudi league season in third place, a disappointing performance for the club but still enough to ensure they will play in the AFC Champions League next season.
In addition to the absence of Al Shamrani, who is serving the remainder of the ban handed out by the Asian Football Confederation following his behaviour in the final of the AFC Champions League last season, Donis also has doubts over midfielder Thiago Neves.
“Nassir Al Shamrani is suspended and he hasn't travelled with us to Iran,” said Donis (pictured). “Apart from him, we have another concern over Thiago Neves, who is struggling with a slight injury but I will see what happens in today’s practice session.
“I'm waiting for the medical reports before I make the final decision whether to play him.”
Donis is expecting a tough battle against the Iranian side, who have pinned their hopes on success in the AFC Champions League after a disappointing domestic campaign that saw them finish in eighth place in the league.
“We know Persepolis is a very powerful team, especially when they play at home in front of their fans,” said Donis. “I've watched all of their recent matches and analysed their playing style in the AFC Champions League. I do hope fans will see a good game.
Photo: WSG