Ferreira: We got an important win over Al-Wakrah despite missing players

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira congratulated his players after the 3-1 win over Al-Wakrah in the QSL Round 20 match played on Saturday.

The result meant that Al-Sadd maintained their second place position in the league table but moved upto within three points behind league leaders Lekhwiya.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ferreira said: “I wish to congratulate the Al-Sadd players for their performance during the match. Everyone knows that Al-Sadd suffered a lot this wekk and we managed to overcome the difficulties such as missing four important players. In this match, we had some players who were not 100% fit and were returning from injuries.”

The boss added: “In the first half, it was diffcult for as the players did not gel well together. There were those who were playing out of their preferred positions because of the absentees in defence and also in midfield and attack. In the first half, the play was balanced between both teams. We created two chances we could have scored from.”

He went on: “We were the better side in the second half and we managed to trouble the Al-Wakrah defence with the movements of Hamza. There was also Xavi with his movements and abilites to go up in attack, which led to his two goals. I am happy with what the young players delivered and also with our ability to score 3 goals in a match.”

As for the congested schedule of matches, Ferreira said: “I hope the officials at the QFA listen to me amidst this packed schedule of matches without any rest for the players in the last two months. Everyone knows that Al-Sadd has played the most number of matches in the last ten days, including domestic matches and also the ACL match before returning home to play in the league.”

Ferreira concluded by saying: “It was an important match and the three points are important. I was hoping not to lose points against Al-Shahaniya and everyone knows who was responsible for that. Yesterday’s game between Lekhwiya and Al-Rayyan made it necessary for us to win. There are 6 matches remaining and we could return to the top of the league if Lekhwiya slip up.