Khalatbari, whose club side lost to Korea’s Seongnam in the AFC Champions League final in November, said Iran have the talent to lift the trophy on January 29.
“Iran have the potential to win the championship,” Khalatbari told Iranian Labour News Agency. “We have lots of experienced players alongside young and motivated talent. This is enough to win in Doha.
“Iran are organised and can beat anyone. I think we are among the favourites.”
Iran are in Group D with defending champions Iraq, World Cup finalists DPR Korea and United Arab Emirates.
