Ferreira: We controlled the match; we have the strength to keep going

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira spoke of his happiness after his side’s 3-0 win over Al-Gharafa in the QSL Round 18 match played on Friday.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ferreira said: “I hope we will be full strength without injuries to complete the campaign. As I said before, Al-Sadd needs physical and mental fitness in order to win the 8 remaining matches. There is no doubt that the players’ mentality is always to win.”
The boss added: “The match against Lekhwiya was unfortunate for us because of the defeat. The results don’t always depend on us alone but also on others. We need to avoid losing any points and hope Lekhwiya slip up for us to win the league title.”
As for the match against Al-Gharafa, Ferreira said: “Today we played a big match against a really strong team. We succeeded in controlling the match. Baghdad returned to the team and although he is not in his usual form after 25 days away from the team, he helped us win with his good movements.”
Ferreira also pointed out that he knows the players’ desire to win, saying: “I live with the players and I know their strong desire to achieve victories to win the title. The team will not give up in the remaining matches.”
Asked about the return of Khalfan and Al-Haydos, he said: “Khalfan and Al-Haydos are training alone and when they are fit, they will play because they are really important players for us.”
Ferreira concluded by saying: “The first half was balanced. We got chances to score but in the second half, we were faster in the middle of the pitch while displaying caution against counter attacks. The three goals were great and our good attack made it difficutl for the Al-Gharafa defence.”