Ferreira: Facing Qatar SC will be difficult; we won’t give up on title race

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira spoke of the importance of his side’s upcoming game against Qatar SC in Round 15 of the QNB Stars League, which will be played on Saturday at the Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium.

Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference, Ferreira said: “As I said earlier, all the matches in the league are difficult. I think it is time that we win all the matches and not drop a single point.”

“Qatar SC have made some excellent signings in the winter transfer window and they’ll put up a strong show against us. We need to prepare well to win and get the three points,” added the coach.

Ferreira also said: “Throughout my time with Al-Sadd, our situation with the lineup was always difficult because we support the national team with our players, (although) this is a matter of pride for us. The new players like Ali Ferydoon and Akram Afif will be great additions to the squad. As for Hamid (Ismail) and Abdelkarim (Hassan), they know the team well and got in sync quickly.”

The Portuguese tactician went on to express his satisfaction with the display of the club’s youngsters in Qatari colours at the recently concluded AFC U23 Championship. “I am very happy with what Al-Sadd’s youngsters did. They came up with an excellent display, especially Salem Al Hajri, who will not play in the game against Qatar SC as he has been rested.”

Asked about new signing Akram Afif, Ferreira said: “Akram Afif is an excellent young player but he must know that Al-Sadd is full of great players like Xavi, Al-Haydos, Hamroun and Ali Asad. Therefore, he must exert himself in order to clinch a spot in the starting lineup. I know that he has enough experience to help him do that.”

As for the title race, Ferreira said: “The draw between Al Duhail and Al Rayyan was very good for Al-Sadd. We need to use this opportunity and not lose any points in the upcoming matches. We still have matches left against the top teams and we must win them.”

He went on to conlcude by saying: “Al-Sadd always overcomes difficulties. We are now behind Al-Duhail by two points and we will not give up. The goal of every squad member is to win the league.”