Ferreira: The Al-Shahaniya clash will be tough, we will not repeat our mistakes from the last game

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira believes that his team is fully prepared to face off with Al-Shahaniya in the QNB Stars League Round 4 game which will be played on Sunday.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ferreira said: “It will be a tough game, regardless of the opponent. Our aim is to get the three points. This is the fourth game for us in the league and we need to win it in order to stay at the top.”

He added: “In the game against Al-Gharafa, we drew and we deserved to win. Al-Gharafa played just as we did, but we had more chances. Against Al-Shahaniya, we will not repeat the mistakes that happened in the game against Al-Gharafa. Al-Sadd are stronger on paper but Al-Shahaniya are a strong team. We will need to work hard to win the game.”

As for how he deals with selecting players amidst Champions League and QSL games, Ferreira said: “In my team, whoever is better will play. We give the chance to all players, especially as we play both domestically and in Asia. But as always, it is the best players who get to play.”

He concluded by saying: “After the return from Iran (following the AFC Champions League quarterfinal first leg), everyone has a great desire to continue winning and keep performing well to get more victories. Everyone knows that we are at the beginning of the season and we haven’t reached the level that I want, which is to be perfect in everything. As time passes, things will get even more difficult, especially as the international players will go for the national team camp during the break before the second leg against Esteghlal. I hope the players return without injuries.”