Ferreira: It will be a tough match, Al-Sadd really need this title

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira spoke to the media on Thursday morning, ahead of the 2017 Qatar Cup final against El-Jaish, which will be played on Saturday at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ferreira said: “The match is going to be difficult, especially as finals are different from other matches. There is only one chance to get the title and we won’t play for anything else but the title. We are in great need for it as we haven’t won any silverware this season.”

The coach added: “My team needs to great mental focus for this game. They need to be focused throughout the 90 minutes and need to fully use that well. I have great confidence that the players will give their best. El-Jaish are a really strong team but the match won’t be easy for them either. I also expect that it will be entertaining and we hope the fans will turn up to enjoy the match.”

As for the pressure on the Al-Sadd team, Ferreira said: “Al-Sadd is a team that likes to play while under pressure. I personally love this. Everyone knows that this is a one-off match and we will obviously be under pressure. We’re going to play for the title.”

Ferreira also pointed out that in last season’s Emir Cup final, Al-Sadd played well against Lekhwiya. “We were leading by two goals before they came back to equalize and win on penalties.”

He also went on to say: “I don’t know if El-Jaish is going to be spirited as they won’t be around next season. But they are an excellent team and they were at the top of the league in the first phase. They want to win but we too want the same thing. It is time for Al-Sadd to win the title.”

When asked about the prospect of a penalty shootout and Al-Sadd’s chances after losing many matches on penalties, Ferreira said: “We always prepare for the penalty shootout but luck doesn’t favour. We lost matches against Al-Jazira and Esteghlal (in the ACL) and then Al-Haydos missed a penalty against Umm Salal. Do you think Khalfan, Xavi, Nadir Belhadj, Morteza and Hassan Al-Haydos don’t practice penalties? I think it is just bad luck that has stopped those players. We will try to finish off the match in the 90 minutes before it gets to the penalty shootout, which has not been lucky for us.”