Ferreira: There are no clear favourites, I hope this match will be a good farewell for Xavi and me

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira gave his thoughts ahead of the upcoming Amir Cup final against Al-Duhail, expressing his wish to get a farewell gift by winning the title.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ferreira said: “On a personal level, I am very happy to be in Amir Cup final for the third time. I hope it won’t be the last time for Gabi. I also wish to win the title for the second time.”

“We know the importance of this trophy in this country and we know how much importance the media, the citizens and residents give to this tournament. This final will be an illustrious place in the careers of the coaching staff, the officials and medical staff as well. It will be an an honour for us if we win the trophy.”

As for their opponents, Ferreira said: “We will face Al-Duhail, who are the defending champions. It is going to be a tough and intense game between the two sides. We are here to win the title.”

Asked about the significance of two Portuguese coaches competing in the final, he said: “The ones who play the game are the players and not the coaches. I wanted to play in this match but my age and FIFA don’t allow that.”

Ferreira also said: “The players are the most important part of the game. They are the ones who will be champions. They need to work as hard as possible to win the title. There is no clear favourite in this game, which is a knockout game with just 90 minutes, and not a number of matches. It will be a different game and an exciting final.”

Finally, he said: “In tomorrow’s game, Xavi will carry out all the instructions I give. Xavi will be a great manager. Tomorrow’s game will also be a good farewell for me and Xavi. We want to win the title.”