Koch completely dissatisfied

PLDC - The German head coach of Esteghlal of Tehran, Roland Koch reacted to the 2-1 loss of his team to Naftchi in Uzbekistan in the Asian Clubs Super Cup return leg, “I am not satisfied with the performance of the boys and this was an unexpected result. The team was unable to perform acceptably in the return leg.”

“The reason for this may have been over pride as Esteghlal played better in the first half. The team received two goals in the second half because they were sluggish after spending all their energy in the first. 
This game showed that the players are in need of more practice and further preparatory matches before playing in international games.”

Despite the above mentioned loss, Esteghlal has qualified to the next round of the Asian Clubs Super Cup. The club has been placed in the third group beside Al Helal of Saudi Arabia, Al Ein of the UAE and either Al Saad or Al Jish.