Ferreira: We have a tough and crucial game coming up

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira spoke to the media on Sunday, at the pre-match press conference ahead of the AFC Champions League quarterfinal first leg fixture against Esteghlal.

He said: “It is a great pleasure to be here in Iran again. I wish to congratulate the Iranian national team for their fine performance at the World Cup in Russia.”

“Tomorrow’s match will be a difficult one against an excellent team. Two years ago, Esteghlal prevented us from reaching the AFC Champions League (group stage) after defeating us on penalties. And so, we must be careful and give our best performance to get a positive result.”

Ferreira pointed out that his team will go into the match in high spirits after preparations that began six weeks ago. “We have had six weeks of preparations since the start of pre-season and also played in the first three matches of the league. The importance of this match will be a great incentive for us to give our best.”

As for the draw with Al-Gharafa in the last game, Ferreira said: “The AFC Champions League is a lot different from the domestic competition. The same is true for the Iranian team who have played five matches in their league. Both sides will be at their best because of the importance of reaching the semifinals.”

He added: “Esteghlal have changed a lot in the last two seasons, especially with the change in coach and players. We know that we have not reached our peak levels of preparedness but I think my team will be at their best in all departments during the game.”

Ferreira also expressed his wish to have a great performance from the three sides involved in the game: the two teams and the referees. He added that the huge number of fans at the Azadi Stadium will motivate the players perform well.