TEHRAN-- Hamidreza Rajabi was named as Foolad interim coach a day before the match against Al Hilal in AFC Champions League 2022 (West) quarterfinals.The Ahvaz-based club are arranged to satisfy holders on Thursday at the Al Janoub Stadium.

Foolad will have a new head coach in charge following the resignation of Javad Nekounam with Rajabi to assist the side.

I wish to thank Nekouman as he was with us for 4 years.

With him in charge, Foolad Club are among the very best 4 groups in West Asia.

I understand that his heart is with us.

He is a professional coach and due to this truth, his expectations are also expert.

We were hoping he would be the head coach for the next match.

We will miss him, stated Hamidreza.Having stated that, Rajabi was positive that Foolad will be ready for the quarterfinals.

Tomorrows match is really hard for us due to the fact that it is against the very best team in the history of Asia, the protecting champs and runners-up of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Nevertheless, we have actually not suffered any losses in the AFC Champions League (this season) and every group must understand that when you play Foolad, you will have a difficult match.

I wish to thank my gamers for they have stayed focused and are truly determined to be at their best for the quarterfinals, he concluded.