Bashar Resan: Air Force Club’s attack can fire them to AFC Cup glory
Tehran: As Iraq’s Air Force Club attempt to overcome Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol in the final step towards retaining their AFC Cup crown, the-AFC.com caught up with a man who was a key part of the Air Force Club side that made competition’s history, becoming the first Iraqi team to win the AFC Cup last season.
Bashar Resan’s performances at the heart of Air Force Club’s midfield earned him a transfer to Iranian giants Persepolis where he helped them reach the 2017 AFC Champions League semi-final.
Q: You were an important part of the Air Force side that won the AFC Cup last season. Tell us about the journey and the feeling of winning the title?
It was a beautiful experience; we worked hard for the whole season, faced strong opponents from all over Asia. I scored two goals in the semi-final and was happy to help the team reach the final, but I was also sent off in the second leg against Ahed, so I was suspended for the final.
I was called up to the Iraq national team and we were watching the game on TV and supporting Air Force Club. It was a historic title for the club and for Iraq. This time I will be watching on TV again and supporting my former teammates from afar.
Q: You joined Persepolis from Air Force in the summer, how has your experience at Persepolis been so far?
Iranian football is faster and more aggressive than Iraqi football and the league is more organised. I have been at Persepolis for a couple of months and we have reached the AFC Champions League semi-final.
My aim now is that as the season goes on, I can adapt more to life in Tehran and help the club achieve trophies. Persepolis are a big team, not just in Iran, but in Asia too, so titles have to be the goal at a club like this.
Q: Last season you won the AFC Cup and this season reached the AFC Champions League semi-final with Persepolis. How different are the two competitions?
The quality of foreign players in the AFC Champions League is superior and you face some of the biggest clubs in Asia.
As a player, I hope that one day I can add an AFC Champions League winner’s medal to my AFC Cup one.
Q: Air Force are in the final again this season, what is the secret to the club’s success?
I would say first and foremost it is the quality of the players. With Hammadi Ahmed, Amjed Radhi, myself, Humam Tariq and many others. We played together for four or five years as a group and competed for titles, so we understood each other well. The club management is great too and the fans rallied behind us even as we were unable to play at home. They travelled to Lebanon, Qatar and everywhere. Fans played and continue to play a big part in the team’s success.
Q: Did you follow the club since your transfer to Persepolis? And do you think they have what it takes to make it back-to-back titles?
Unfortunately, I could not watch live games as we were in the AFC Champions League and often played our games at the same time they played in AFC Cup, but I always go back and watch the highlights. Air Force Club have a new coach now and have changed a few players, but they are continuously improving and I hope they can retain their AFC Cup and Iraqi League titles.
Q: Who are three key players who can make a difference for Air Force in the final?
It is difficult to pick just three players. Of course, a goalkeeper is the foundation of a strong team. So, Fahad Talib will be essential.
Samal Saeed, Zahir Al Medani contribute a lot and form the backbone of the side.
In an attacking sense, the quartet Hammadi Ahmed, Amjed Radhi, Humam Tariq and Emad Mohsin need to be on their day and I think they can lead the team to victory.
Q: What should Air Force Club players be worried about going into the final?
It is a single-leg final at the opposition’s ground, and Tajikistan can be a cold place. So, the players need to hit the ground running early in the game. Sometimes, if you are not in the game in the first 10-15 minutes, pressure from the home crowd can get to you. I hope they can build their confidence early on and grab a result to lift the trophy again.
Q: What are your predictions for the final?
It is difficult to predict. It will be a tough match. Hisor Central Stadium is not an easy one to play in, but I hope Air Force Club win. I say it will be 1-0.
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com
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