Ferreira: Happy with the win and the performance, it was an unexpected result

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira described his side’s big 8-1 win over Al-Gharafa as an unexpected result, while expressing his delight with the team’s performance.

Speaking after the game, Ferreira said: “Nobody expected this result. We played for the win from the beginning and I want to thank the players, first for their performance and then for the result. I am very happy with this result.”

He added: “The Al-Gharafa team which played us today is not the same team which played us in the first phase. The team is completely different.”

As for taking off Akram Afif, Ferreira said: “Afif was substituted because of fatigue. If I left him on the pitch, he could have scored more goals.”

Ferreira further said: “I want to ask the QFA why we play at 4 PM and Al-Duhail play at 6:30. We have many players in the national team and they are obviously fatigued. The matches now are very crucial and this has to be considered in the coming games.”

Asked about the absence of Xavi and its effect on the team, the coach said: “Xavi did not play today and also in the last two games. All the players have benefited a lot from Xavi’s experience. This is my 110th match with Al-Sadd and Xavi has played in most of the games. We play as a group and I am pleased with what the team’s performance.”