Ferreira: Facing Lekhwiya will be a tough challenge but it won’t decide the title

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira expects Friday’s QSL Round 16 clash against Lekhwiya to be difficult and hard-fought considering the quality of both teams and their excellent form this season.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ferreira said: “It’s a match between two title favourites who are strong in defence and attack. Everyone knows that Al-Sadd was ahead in number of goals scored but now Lekhwiya are on top. The gap between the two teams is just two points. Both are having really good seasons. There are difficulties for us considering the absence of key players, which is more for Al-Sadd.”

The boss went on to add: “There is an atmosphere of high spirits and I can see the huge desire of the players to win the league title this season. The match is a big challenge for us. We need to know that it won’t be a title decider. Al-Sadd are really motivated to give their best on Friday and I have great confidence in the players. I hope luck will favour us. When you are unbeaten in 15 straight games, this is not luck but it is because of the effort of the players and the coaches.”

Ferreira also expressed his gratitude to the players for their performances in the recent period, saying: “I wish to thank the Al-Sadd players for their performances in training and in the matches. Friday’s match will be normal for us. I’ve instilled my message in the minds of the players. I won’t be able to motivate them (further); they are already fully motivated. The match will be decided by the small details. For me, this match is easier because we know Lekhwiya well.”

He added: “The Al-Sadd players have gained a lot of experience. We don’t depend on 11 players only. We went through the recent period limited by the absence of key players but I have great confidence in the players, especially the youngsters.”

Ferreira went on to conclude by saying: “This is a match between two teams of a high calibre, who have won the league numerous times. In football, the aim is to win and get the three points and I am a coach who always seeks to win every match. The coach and the players should trust each other and this is what is happening. I am sure of the abilities of the Al-Sadd players; they are capable of giving their best and hand Lekhwiya their first defeat.”