Ferreira: It will be tough to play Al-Gharafa, our aim is to play the final at Al Wakrah Stadium

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira believes that his side will face a tough challenge against Al-Gharafa in the upcoming Amir’s Cup quarterfinal, which is set to be played on Thursday at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ferreira said: “We are going to face Al-Gharafa in the quarterfinal of the Amir’s Cup and this match is going to be different from our clash in the league because it’s a knockout game.”

“The Al-Sadd players are fresh from winning the league and they are now full of spirit to play in the Amir’s Cup. We could have five games coming up in 20 days and this needs great preparations. We at Al-Sadd have to play domestically and in Asia as well, and this is not easy for the team and players.”

He added: “We will fight for the win and a spot in the semi-final. I have won the Cup with Al-Sadd before. The tournament is very important for us. The match against Al-Gharafa is going to be tough, especially as they have good players and a good coach.”

“Our aim is to play at the (new) Al-Wakrah Stadium, after having played the final at the Khalifa Stadium before. We want to reach the final and meet HH the Amir.”

As for him and the duo of Afif and Bounedjah winning the post-season awards, the coach said: “It is not easy to manage, especially when you’re playing in different tournaments. I want to congratulate Baghdad and Akram, and all the players who helped this duo to get these awards. All the players deserve this appreciation.”

Finally, Ferreira said: “Tomorrow’s game is very tough. All the teams that we have faced gave their all. And so, we need to be careful and play with all seriousness. Everyone is keen to give their best.”