Ferreira: Our aim is to defeat Al-Duhail and go top of the table

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira believes that his side will go into the upcoming clash against Al-Duhail with only one objective in mind – winning.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ferreira: “This match does not need any psychological preparation for the players of either side. They know how important the game is and both teams will have a great desire to win.”

He added: “The players went through routine training and there wasn’t any special preparation for this game. Everyone knows that this match is between the two best teams in Qatar. The difference between the two is just one point and this will make the game difficult. Al-Sadd are going into this game with the goal of going top of the table with a two point lead.”

As for Al-Duhail coming out on top during the past season, Ferreira said: “All our matches against Al-Duhail were exciting and filled with goals but unfortunately Al-Sadd did not have good fortune in these matches as they were better than us in most games.”

Ferreira also spoke about the injuries affecting Al-Duhail’s squad. “I do not agree with the view that Al-Duhail’s recent draws came as a a result of injuries. Why do you talk about injuries, when Al-Sadd is the team that suffered most with injuries. I am one of those coaches who never talk about the players who are suspended or injured. Generally, Al-Duhail players are of a high calibre and in the next game, the better team will win.”

Asked about the Al-Sadd players’ confidence after a series of victories, as compared to Al-Duhail, Ferreira said: “Al-Duhail is the team on top and they have more confidence than Al-Sadd. Al-Sadd will go into the match as if it’s a normal one and we won’t play with overconfidence.”

“The pressure on Al-Sadd is more than Al-Duhail because they on top of the table and won the league multiple times, and despite the injuries, they are in a better position.”

Ferreira also saluted the Al-Sadd players who play for the national team, saying that the media needs to speak about “the huge pressure on the Al-Sadd players because they go through a lot of pain and sacrifice for the Qatar national team.”

He added: “I wish we succeed in winning the league title, which will be a gift for those players after all their sacrificies throughout this season.”

Finally, Ferreira gave his message to the fans, saying: “I want the fans to be present at the stadium so that we can make this match a good representation of Qatari football. I don’t have to invitet he Al-Sadd fans because they are a crucial factor in giving Al-Sadd the advantage.”