Rayyan's Blanc finds silver lining in tough Persepolis defeat

(MENAFN - Gulf Times) Al Rayyan head coach Laurent Blanc tried to look at the positives even as Persepolis coach Yahya Golmohammadi praised his players for not giving up in their come-from-behind 3-1 victory in Group E of the 2021 AFC Champions League on Saturday. Persepolis, runners-up in 2018 and 2020, were a goal down for the first time this season but mounted a second half resurgence to maintain their perfect start to their 2021 AFC Champions League campaign after having defeated Al Wahda 1-0 on Matchday One. Al Rayyan were left stunned following quick fire goals within four minutes of the restart. Despite not denying their limitations, Al Rayyan head coach Laurent Blanc tried to look at the positives after a result which leaves his team with one point after two matches, having drawn 0-0 with FC Goa in their opener. 'We were good in the first half but after that we lost the game in six minutes, lamented Blanc. 'Although we scored first, the manner in which we conceded was a big blow to my players. 'The first 45 minutes were very positive for Al Rayyan but Persepolis played very well, were physically better and applied pressure in the second half and they went on to score not one but three goals. 'We had a player substituted due to a knock in the first half and then I decided to protect three of my players because we have another game in three days. 'I don't know what happened to Al Rayyan in the second half. It's tough to lose a match like the way we did today. We were playing well but lost our concentration in just five minutes. 'I'm very proud of my team for playing very well. Obviously we had some defensive pressure but we need to perform for 90 minutes and not 45 minutes like what we did today." Golmohammadi said he was proud of his team's winning mentality. 'We entered the second half with the drive and motivation that we could win the match, said Golmohammadi. 'We never once lost that self-confidence and therefore we won. 'The whole team is built this way. We achieved this victory with teamwork and never once surrendered or admitted defeat. 'In fact, we wanted to score a fourth goal but that didn't happen. I'm proud of my players for what they accomplished today. We owe it all to our fans because without them we will not have that desire to succeed. Up next for Al Rayyan are Al Wahda of the UAE on Tuesday while Persepolis will look to make it three wins against FC Goa.    MENAFN18042021000067011011ID1101939353