AFC - Ali Karimi insists Piroozi are focused on the job in hand ahead of Wednesday’s visit of Qatar champions elect Al Gharafa in Group B despite recent disruption caused by speculation surrounding his future with the Iranian side.
After starring in the 3-1 opening day win over United Arab Emirates side Sharjah, Karimi was unable to inspire success against Al Shabab last month as they returned from Saudi Arabia with a point following a goalless draw.
He then missed the weekend’s 2-0 domestic defeat by Saba Battery, but Karimi, who had a spell in Qatar with Qatar Sports Club, is now fit to face Al Gharafa.
“I swear that I never spoke to any reporters about leaving. The people who have published these lies want us to lose to Al Gharafa,” said Karimi.
“But we’re totally focused on this match and I’ll do my best.
“Al Gharafa is one of the best teams in Qatar. But I believe Qatari teams have never had a good record in Asia.
“Nevertheless we mustn’t underestimate them. If we play well, we will get the three points.”
Piroozi’s Portuguese coach Nelo Vingada is seeking an instant response from his team following the weekend defeat.
"We've played better in the ACL than in the league recently and we have to play well again in front of our home fans to move onto seven points,” he said.
"Our defeat to Saba has had a negative effect on us in the league and possibly even physically and mentally. So beating Al Gharafa is our only aim. Without doubt, all our efforts will be focused on winning this match so we can come out of this bad situation."
Al Gharafa meanwhile head into the match knowing they are just a point away from winning the Qatar League title.
Head coach, Marcos Paqueta, who was full of praise for Al Gharafa after they claimed their first points in Group B with a 2-0 win over Sharjah last month, will again look to striker Araujo to provide the inspiration against Piroozi.
The Brazilian has done his homework on Piroozi and is confident his side are capable of getting a result.
"I've seen their matches on video and studied their tactics,” he said. “I know a lot about their players and especially their coach, Vingada, and I know we'll have a difficult match against them.
"But at the same time, we're one of the best teams in Qatar and we won't be overawed."