Title: Sepahan Coach Navidkia Praises Attacking Philosophy After Asian Champions League Victory
In a decisive Asian Champions League match, Iran’s Sepahan Football Club secured a 2-0 victory over Jordan’s Al-Hussein on Tuesday evening. The post-match press conference was marked by a display of sportsmanship and a clear articulation of a preferred footballing philosophy from the Sepahan manager.
A Victory and a Tribute
Sepahan’s head coach, Moharam Navidkia, began his remarks by extending his condolences to the family of a long-time club supporter who had recently passed away. He also took a moment to thank the fans for their unwavering support, setting a respectful tone for the proceedings.
Respect for the Opponent and a Preferred Style
Coach Navidkia was quick to praise the quality of the opposing team, stating, “Al-Hussein is truly a quality team and has a respectable performance at the Asian football level.” He then elaborated on the nature of the match, which he believes is the essence of compelling football. “The flow of the match was such that the fans felt a goal could be scored at any moment, and I personally love this style of play.”
He drew a clear distinction between teams that play an engaging, attacking game and those that adopt a more defensive posture. “Tonight’s match, similar to our games against Tractor and Persepolis, was attractive and spectacular because these teams play football; they don’t just try to avoid conceding goals.”
Focus on the Game, Not the Noise
Emphasizing a pragmatic and focused approach, Navidkia stated his preference to avoid making unfounded claims. “I prefer not to talk nonsense; we cannot claim that from now on everything will go perfectly.” He also expressed a degree of disapproval for coaches who overly praise their own in-game substitutions, revealing that his decisions were made in the moment, not from a pre-set plan. “The substitutions were effective,” he noted, “and with Bardiar’s entry, the team’s performance in the midfield improved.”
Reflecting on Past Challenges
The coach briefly touched upon a previous, disappointing result against Akhal, acknowledging that the loss might impact their quest to finish at the top of their group. He also addressed the absence of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, clarifying that teams were informed of its non-availability beforehand. “The presence of VAR gives peace of mind to both teams,” Navidkia commented, expressing hope that the technology would be implemented in the group stages of future Champions League seasons.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
To secure the vital three points and improve their goal difference, Navidkia revealed the team took calculated risks in search of a second goal. He concluded with a vote of confidence for young player Ali Kamali, who was experiencing his first Asian-level competition. “He should know that I believe in him,” Navidkia asserted, “and he must make the most of the opportunities that are created for him.”