Al-Haydos: League title is more important than being MVP
* Kaprun camp has been successful in every sense
* The season will be tough; the competition will be intense
* Regaining the league title is our primary aim; it is more important than the MVP title
* The impact of Ferreira is evident; his renewal is a good decision
* 2018 World Cup is the ambition of Qatar and we will not let go of it
* We expect huge support from the Al-Sadd fans in the new season
In an exclusive chat with the official club website, Al-Sadd star Hassan Al-Haydos spoke of the huge benefit that the players are gaining from the Kaprun preseason camp that he termed as “succesful in every sense.”
He said: “I hope we reach the required level of readiness by playing the friendly matches before the season and also with the intense training that we have been having, with two sessions daily and hard work from everyone on the team. The preparations are going well, especially with the team also having the internationals, which helps the coaches to prepare the team well.”
As for the competition next season and the ambition of the Al-Sadd team, Al-Haydos said: “The competition is going to be tough and intense from all the team, particularly from the teams that are known to win titles. Al-Sadd only looks at itself and the good preparation and serious work throughout the season. Despite the many matches that we have at home and in Asia, our name makes it imperative that we always compete for all the tournaments.”
The forward also added: “Al-Sadd always aims to be crowned. Even in the worst situations, Al-Sadd were close to the titles. Next season too, we will be capable of winning the league title or any title Insha Allah.”
He also talked about winning the MVP title, which he received in the 2014/15 season: The Best Player award is a dream for any player but I always think of the team honours and my primary goal is to win titles with Al-Sadd or Qatar.”
As for Jesualdo Ferreira staying on with Al-Sadd, Al-Haydos said: “This is a good decision; Ferreira has huge experience in coaching and his impact has become evident, especially at the end of last season. The players have responded to him very well and we have come to understand his playing style better.”
Al-Haydos also spoke about his commitments with the Qatar national team: “To be in the national team is an honour for any player. I always seek to give my best with the team. All of us work hard so that we can be on hand to raise the Maroon flag at the Gulf, Asian and World levels.”
The Qatar captain added: “The next phase requires a huge amount of work from all so that we can achieve the dream we have had for some time – that is to qualify for Russia 2018. Our qualifying group is tough and it requires work and planning. I hope that we can come up with a good level of performance so that we reach the next World Cup.”
Al-Haydos went on to conclude by saying: “We know the amount of pressure on us and we know the level of competition we will face next season, which will only increase with the number of matches we have to play at home, in Asia and also with the national team.
We promise everyone that we are really focused and are working hard to reach the full possible readiness that is needed to put us in the front and compete for all titles. I hope that the Al-Sadd fans always support us so that we can achieve their dreams. I also hope all the fans support Qatar in the upcoming phase which is going to be very crucial.”