Hamid Ismail: Persepolis may play an open game in the second leg, that’s our chance

Al-Sadd’s Hamid Ismail remarked that his side made it difficult for themselves in the semifinal first leg against Persepolis, wasting many chances before conceding a late goal.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Hamid said: “Of course, we did not turn up in the best way in this game but we have a big desire now to perform at a higher level in Tehran and come back with a win. Al-Sadd will hopefully be in a better situation then. We now have a good period of preparation lying ahead of us. What is important is that we fully believe in our chances.”

Asked if he could predict Persepolis’ playing style in the second leg, Hamid said: “We are not used to seeing this team playing in this defensive manner throughout this year’s campaign, be it against us or any other team. I think they could play an open game and with an attacking style in the second leg. This is a good thing for us; we could use that to our advantage and score goals to get the win that we are looking for.”