Ferreira: It was an even game, I’m delighted to go top of the league

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira was a happy man on Tuesday night, after his side went top of the QNB Stars League table with a thrilling 3-1 win over Al-Duhail.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ferreira said: “As I said before, the most important thing is the win and the three points. Al-Duhail were not weak for most of the match; we were not deceived by their draws in their last two games. Their players have a winning mentality and they came into this game looking to win and increase the gap. But we turned up and got the win.”

“Despite this win, I am not satisfied with the players’ performance because they could have given a better showing. I think the players’ performance needs to improve in the next period if we want to win the league.”

He added: “It was an even match. We made a lot of mistakes in passing and the players were evidently fatigued. The pressure was more on the Al-Sadd players than on Al-Duhail. But I am delighted that we are on top of the league table, this has come about after a lot of effort put in by the players throughout the season.”

“This win is the seventh in a row for us in the league, after the Champions League exit and the defeat to Al-Ahli. I am happy for that and I want to congratulate the Al-Sadd players for these results. The biggest winners are the Al-Sadd players themselves, they put in a lot of hard work, since the 2nd of August in the league and also in the Champions League and with the national team. Al-Sadd are the biggest contributor to the Qatar national team, who I wish all the best for the upcoming Asian Cup.”

Ferreira further said: “Al-Duhail were better than us in this game despite us winning it. They are capable of achieving big things after the return of their injured players. The Al-Duhail and me, both of us have a tough task in the upcoming period because the absence of the international players who will join the national team. Everyone knows how much Al-Sadd and Al-Duhail contribute to the national team and I am worried that the players will get injured. I hope they return in their best conditions, all prepared to restart the league with the same momentum.”

Finally, the coach concluded by saying: “For us, the first phase of the league is over now. It is difficult to predict who will win the league. There is a two-month break and we will suffer more than Al-Duhail due to the absence of the international players. I don’t know what we will do without these players.”