Ferreira: Al-Gharafa is a team of surprises, we can continue our winning run

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira described Al-Gharafa as ‘a team of surprises’ ahead of the meeting between the two sides in Round 3 of the QNB Stars League.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ferreira said: “Everyone knows that Al-Sadd have two wins and 6 points. But there is a difference between the first two games and the team that we are going to face in Round 3. We will seek to continue our winning run.”

The coach continued: “Al-Arabi is a big team. I was surprised by the big result that we got over them. The Al-Sadd players impressed and were in form on the day. I hope we will win in the next game as well. Scoring goals is the duty of the players. My objective is three points only.”

“Al-Gharafa is a team of surprises this seasons. I was amazed by their defeat in the first week to Qatar SC, and also by the way Qatar then lost two games after that. Al-Gharafa have excellent players. I know my team has a great desire to get the win.”

As for the huge number of goals that the team has scored in the first two matches, Ferreira said: “We have scored 16 goals in two games and we are happy with that. The Al-Sadd players are professionals and know the difference between confidence and arrogance. They don’t depend on anyone and know what they need to continue winning.”

As for Al-Sadd’s preparedness for the AFC Champions League, Ferreira pointed out that just three matches and five weeks of training wasn’t enough for the team to reach the optimum level. “This isn’t just for Al-Sadd but for all the teams in the world,” said the coach.

“We know the difference between one tournament and another. I’m happy with the players’ performance until now in training and matches. We will continue working hard to win matches at home and Asia.”