PLDC - Tehran, Buriram United's coach said, "Esteghlal is an experienced team, and in the last Champions League round they showed just how powerful they are."

With Scott Cooper's leadership, Buriram United are currently on top of the Thai Premier League. The Thai club has been impressive, and stunned Asia when they defeated Bunyodkar of Uzbekistan in the Round of 16 of the 2013 AFC Champions League.

Cooper reflected, "We haven't forgot all the things that were written about us before we met Bunyodkar. We knew that they were a powerful team and we respected them. But we weren't scared to face them."

He continued, "We prepared ourselves and went into the field with strategy. It became clear that we have the ability to compete. Our advantage is good integration and organization."

Buriram United will face Esteghlal on August 21st in Azadi Stadium for the first leg of the AFC Champions League quarter-finals.

Regarding his team's difficult upcoming match in Tehran, Cooper said, "Esteghlal is a powerful and very experienced team. They are a great club and enjoy lots of fan support. They are sure to come equipped and play very tactical."

Cooper concluded, "We never predicted to make it this far in the Champions League. We have nothing to lose and this may very well be our driving factor."

By: Arman Tamjidi