Ferreira: The second phase will be difficult, we must prepare well for domestic and Asian matches

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira spoke to the media at the pre-match press conference on Thursday, ahead of his side’s upcoming clash against Al-Markhiya in Round 12 of the QNB Stars League.

After wishing everyone a happy new year, Ferreira emphasized on the difficulty of starting the second phase of the league, following the conlcusion of the break. “We’re starting the second phase of the league after a five-week break,” said the coach. “It won’t be easy because the break reduced the coordination between the players in training.”

“We will work on regaining the coordination once again after the return of the international players.”

He went on to add: “Al-Sadd have many important games coming up at home and also in the AFC Champions League. And so, the upcoming phase is very important and I hope we have a full-strength team to prepare well for these challenges.”

As for the absence of striker Baghdad Bounedjah, Ferreira said: “Baghdad’s absence will not have an affect; the team has won matches without him. I don’t know when he will return and I hope he manages to do so soon.”

“The team will not be ready because of the recent break (but) our aim is to win all the matches and get closer to the top.”

Asked about the new signings in the winter transfer window, Ferreira said: “The Al-Sadd management deals with new signings. All that we have to do is to focus on the upcoming games.”

The coach concluded: “The last match we played before the break was against Al-Kharaitiyat. We had some intense training sessions during the break, while we also missed a number of players who were with the Qatar senior and Olympic national teams. Because of the absence of these players, there are some differences in the way we approach the sessions.

“We now have to work hard to give our best in all the matches.”

The press conference was attended by representatives of Al-Raya newspaper, Al Kass and BeIN Sports channels.