Ferreira: It’s a fair result, we achieved our objectives

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira expressed his happiness after his side registered a 5-1 win over Qatar SC in the QNB Stars League on Thursday evening.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ferreira said: “The temperature was very high, but the Al-Sadd players were very impressive. In the first 30 minutes, we had many chances, through which we scored three goals. After that, I asked the players to slow down the tempo of the game to endure through the game.”

“In the second half, we wasted a penalty and missed a number of chances. We tried not to exhaust ourselves. Qatar SC put up a good game and they could have scored two or three goals. The result is fair for us, as per our performance. And I also got what I wanted, which was to avoid injuries to any player.”

As for the fitness of Hassan Al-Haydos and Saad Al-Dosari, Ferreira said: “Al-Haydos and Al-Dosari are not fit to play the next game, as of this moment.”

He added: “I am satisfied to see the team continue winning both in Asia and domestically, and not waste points. At Al-Sadd, we have a strong squad and I am reassured by the team’s performances until now.”

“It is very important for us to have a strong strike force, as we have a crucial game coming up in the AFC Champions League. We should work towards scoring a big number of goals in the first leg, so that it can be of benefit in the second leg in Tehran.”

Finally, Ferreira also shared his remarks on his gesture to go and greet Samuel Eto’o when the Qatar SC forward was substituted. “In my view, Eto’o is still a big player and he was one of the best strikers in the world. I think the clubs (here) have done well by signing players like Xavi, Gabi and Eto’o because they are fully serious in their work and their presence in Qatar will help the local players to develop.”