AFC - Sepahan boss Luka Bonacic believes his side can put a mixed start to their domestic season behind them as they look to continue their bid for 2011 AFC Champions League glory at the expense of Al Sadd.
Sepahan have won, drawn and lost two games to start the season and while Bonacic admitted to concerns over his side's defensive capabilities, he is confident they have the ability to overcome the Qatar side in their quarter-final first-leg clash at Foolad Shahr Stadium.
"Weaknesses in our defensive line emanate from the changes we made at the beginning of the season. Last year we had nine points at the same round of the league, pretty much similar to the current season. I believe our main problem has been our results, not the way we have played," he said.
"Everybody likes to win all games in football but that is not always possible. I agree that our left side have not been playing well. I believe we shouldn't merely blame our left-sided defenders, the centrebacks should also help them out when the opposing team keeps crossing from that side."
Bonacic stressed he has been focusing more on his own side rather than worrying about Sepahan's opponents in the lead-up to the encounter but revealed he will be without influential midfielder Fabio Januario.
"Before thinking about how Al Sadd will play in tomorrow's match, we must think about how to best employ our own strategies and tactics on the field," he added.
"Unfortunately, we'll be playing without Januario. He's suffering an old injury and is being treated now. He was very keen to be part of the team tomorrow evening."
Bonacic also acknowledged the Iranians are in for a stern examination on Wednesday.
"I faced Al Sadd last season with Mes, they are a very good team and have a lot of quality," the Croatian said.
"What is most important for us in tomorrow's game is the first-half. I hope I can defeat Al Sadd in a similar fashion to what I achieved against them with Mes last year.
"We haven't watched even a single match of Al Sadd's but one of my assistants was on a scouting trip to Qatar and he gave me some very helpful information about them."