According to Tasnim news agency, Sasan Ansari said in a press conference before the meeting of the Iranian football team against Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia: We know that we are playing against a team that won the championship of Asia last year. The players of this team have a lot of experience in international competitions, but Foulad is also a good, coherent and strong team. Tomorrow’s match will definitely be difficult for both teams and we are at a stage where the game is seconds and moments.
Stating that the Steelers have understood the conditions of this stage of the Asian Champions League, he clarified: We know what we want from tomorrow’s game and all Steelers players are definitely looking for a good and big event. According to Al-Hilal’s international experience, the conditions may be unequal, but we, the players, do not use anything as an excuse and we strive to make the club and our country Iran proud. For sure, you will see a good game from Steel tomorrow.
Referring to the happiness of the Iranian people and their support for Foolad, especially after the win against Al-Faisali, the captain of Khuzestan Steel said: “Definitely, the positive energy they send to us is a great encouragement for all team members.” We thank them for their kindness and love in these few days. I am happy to represent them and we are proud of this.
Ansari praised the former head coach of Foulad and said: “This honor that happened in the history of Foulad and we are present at this stage for the first time is the result of the efforts of all those who worked hard for the club, and Javad Nekonam was at the head of all of them. As Hamid Rajabi said, he worked hard and gave his life for the team. We will empty the place of Nekonam. We can’t help but judge what happened, but Nekonam’s place is definitely empty and we know his heart is with us.
He further stated: We are giving him this message that we are trying to be good representatives and players for him, dear people of Khuzestan and Iran, whose prayers are definitely with us. I request people to send positive messages in the next 24 hours, because it will be a good morale for all the players and it will give us extra energy. I request everyone to send us positive energy and prayers and we promise to work hard for their pride and success.