The three-time Asian Cup winners need to beat the co-hosts in convincing fashion in order to finish above both China and Uzbekistan, a pole position that would then guarantee Iran staying in Malaysia for their quarter-final match.
Despite having twice seen the Malaysians beaten heavily, the former Eteghlal boss was convinced that nobody would be taking their beleaguered opponents lightly.
“I have to say that we always respect our opponents and that of course includes the Malaysia national team,” he said.
“We have to try and be first in this group because we would then stay in Malaysia. As you know Malaysia have conceded a lot of goals in their first two games. Even so, we have to approach this game in the same way as we approached our games against Uzbekistan and China.
“The result of this match is important and we will use all our key players against Malaysia because we prefer to stay in Malaysia where we have been made to feel very welcome.
“Our first priority is therefore to win the group and then we will think about who we will play next in the quarter-finals.”
Ghalenoei went on to explain that improving standards throughout Asia are also reason enough to be wary ahead of the clash at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
“I believe that all the teams in Asia have been trying their best to improve. There are signs that national teams are getting better and better and that they have been working really hard to reach better standards.”
Iran’s 2-1 defeat of Uzbekistan and 2-2 draw with China have been notable for the way in which the Persian side battled back bravely after conceding early goals.
Although happy with the resolve and attacking prowess shown by Iran during the tournament, Ghalenoei is nevertheless keen for his charges to achieve a better level of consistency in a match where Malaysia are expected to defend in numbers.
“We have looked at this up and down and we have had several meetings with team officials and the experienced players who are here. We have reached some conclusions but I would prefer to keep them quiet for now,” he added.
“Both the teams we have played against so far played very defensively. I think Malaysia will also play the same way. As usual our team will have an attacking system in order to score some goals.
“I think that the number of goals we have scored already show that we are an attack-minded outfit and one that is comfortable when changing tactical systems.”
