PLDC - Seoul, Andranik Teymourian appeared in a pre-match press conference as the representative of Esteghlal's players and answered some questions.

Ando started off by saying, "They (FC Seoul) are a good team, like us. The very fact that both teams have made it this far shows that they have what it takes to be champions. We want to leave Korea with a good result and get ready for the second-leg."

A South Korean reporter pointed out that many of Esteghlal's starters are Team Melli starters, and Ando clarified, "This comparison is incorrect. You can't compare Esteghlal with Team Melli, and you can't compare FC Seoul with the Korean national team. The presence of Team Melli players will only mean that the match will be more interesting for the fans."

Regarding South Korea's high quality of football, Teymourian said, "There is no doubt that South Korea plays a planned-out style of football; this is apparent at both the national and club levels. I believe that Korea's improvement can be credited to their legionnaires. They have many players in Europe and this has caused this country's football to advance. I am sure if Korean players didn't go to Europe and stayed in Korea, then this country's level of football would be low. Playing in Europe improves a players level of play."

By: Arman Tamjidi