ACL; Saipa relieved on avoiding Urawa

[Afshin]

(AFC, KUALA LUMPUR) Saipa heaved a sigh of relief after avoiding reigning champions Urawa Reds of Japan in the quarter-final draw of the AFC Champions League on Saturday and declared their readiness to tackle Kuruvchi.

The sole Iranian representatives in this year’s elimination phase could have been potentially paired with Urawa, reminiscent of last year’s East-West match-up between Sepahan and Kawasaki Frontale, but bagged Tashkent surprise package Kuruvchi instead.

“This draw is not difficult for us,” said Saipa managing director Mehrdad Hashemi, adding, “it is so-so.”

With Ali Daei relinquishing the Karaj outfit’s charge to concentrate on the national team job, Hashemi revealed it was a wrench to let the Iranian legend, who guided the team to their recent successes, go.

“Sometimes we need to think carefully about our priorities. This time the national team needs Ali more than the club. But Ali will be still involved closely in all decisions at Saipa as he is a member of the Saipa board,” said Hashemi while denying that the inspirational Daei’s departure would affect the team.

“We will appoint a new coach as soon as possible,” added Hashemi who also confirmed that Saipa would go into the market for new players to beef up their squad.

“The season has just ended and it is time for us to make changes depending on the new coach.”

Saipa will have home advantage for the first leg on September 17 before flying to Tashkent for the return leg a week later.

[BrankoWasTheBEST]

“This draw is not difficult for us,” said Saipa managing director Mehrdad Hashemi, adding, “it is so-so.”

Somehow the above quote does not inspire confidance. Its got me worried. It seems they are taking this lightly and not respecting the opposition. All teams have reached the knockout stage on merit and should not be disregarded.

Seems like arrogance on the part of Hashemi.


QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

Saipa (Iran) vs Kuruvchi (Uzbekistan)
Kashima Antlers (Japan) vs Adelaide United (Australia)
Al Qadsia (Kuwait) vs Urawa Reds (Japan)
Al Karama (Syria) vs Gamba Osaka (Japan)

Winner of Saipa - Kuruvchi match will meet the winners of kashima Antlers - Adelaide United in the semi finals. Lets hope Saipa wins their tie, but I think this year the finals will be between Urawa and Adelaide. I think Adelaide is too strong for Saipa as they have a number of former EPL and other former Euro based players.

[Afshin]

I know Saipa did better than Sepahan in ACL Group Stage but lets not forget that Sepahan were in a much tougher group, Kuruvchi won't be easy but Saipa have a 50-50 chance I would say.