Ferreira: The match against Umm Salal will be difficult; we have to work hard

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira has stressed on the importance of his side’s upcoming game against Umm Salal in Round 23 of the Qatar Stars League.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ferreira said: “It will be more difficult than other matches. We will have to work hard. It is like a final for us. We were preparing for the match thinking it will be on 4th March and not the 2nd; I don’t know why the date was changed.”

He added: “We have no option but to get the three points and stay on top of the league table.”

Ferreira said: “I am not reminded of the result from the first phase game between us. Thursday’s match will be completely different from the earlier match and it will be much more difficult. Umm Salal have also not lost in their last five matches; this shows that they are a much improved team.”

The boss also pointed out that the first phase result wasn’t a fair result. “I don’t want to talk about refereeing. I wish them good luck in this match and all the remaining matches.”

Ferreira went on to add: “I am not thinking of anything except about helping my team win this match. I won’t talk about any other matter. If Umm Salal are focusing on revenge, this could have a negative effect for them. I hope they play an open game as they did in the first phase match. I also hope the fans attend the match.”

As for the upcoming league break, Ferreira said: “It will have a huge negative effect on the players of all the clubs, especially Al-Sadd and Lekhwiya but I won’t talk about this matter now.”