Koch praises Champions League organisers

Addressing the media following Esteghlal's thrilling 2-1 victory over Al Sadd in the group opener Koch, who has coached at Bayer Leverkusen and Turkish giants Besitkas, said: "I would like to thank both the AFC and Al Ain for a well organized event.

"The hotel and training facilities are excellent and I speak from having nearly 20 years experience in European competition."

The two-time Asian Club Championship winners were good value for their 2-1 victory, but Koch believed that the Qataris profligacy in front of goal may have contributed to Esteghlal's win.

"Al Sadd played very good football and we had some problems in defence which meant we were a little bit lucky they didn't score more goals but from time to time we are getting better and better," added Koch.