Persepolis Coach Ivankovic Expects Second Leg Comeback
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic says they can bounce back in the second leg of the 2018 AFC Champions League final.
Persepolis will host Kashima Antlers on Saturday after the Iranian team lost to the Japanese side 2-0 in the first leg.
"I agree that this is a good result for Kashima. A big result in fact but the final isn't over and we will do our homework and come back stronger in the second leg," Ivankovic said.
Ivankovic admitted that his side lost some of their edge in the second half and this allowed Kashima to gradually take control and ultimately seal the win.
"We tried to play with the same intensity in the second half but couldn't and this allowed Kashima to control the game. Even then, I am satisfied with the performance of my players," he added.
Ivankovic is counting on the home fans to push them to a famous comeback in the return leg, as they did in the Round of 16 and quarter-finals when Persepolis overcame first leg deficits advance.
"Just as the Kashima fans did for them, I am expecting our fans to cheer my players on to victory. We can do it, especially with the backing of the thousands who will be in the stadium for the return leg," Ivankovic stated.
