Ferreira: We will play the second leg as if the score’s 0-0

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira believes that his side will face a tough task when they host Esteghlal in Monday’s AFC Champions League quarterfinal second leg at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ferreira said: “Tomorrow’s game against Esteghlal is very crucial for us. We will begin the game as if the score is 0-0 and we won’t be thinking about the away game at all. We will play as if we have gained nothing.”

“We won’t play for the draw but rather we will play the game looking to dominate it and get the win.”

Ferreira added: “I want to invite all the Qatari fans to come and support Al-Sadd, especially as we are representing the state of Qatar.”

Further, he went on to say: “If we qualify for the semifinals, it will be the third time in our history. We know very well how strong the opponents are. We know what we are up against. What’s most important is to avoid mistakes. I am very confident in the ability of the players to secure a semifinal spot.”

“I have asked the players to be fully focused at all times during the match. The early goal that Esteghlal scored against us in Iran motivated us to come back strongly and get the 3-1 win. (Tomorrow,) we will work, as I mentioned, to avoid giving the opponents an opportunity to exploit our mistakes.”

Ferreira concluded by saying: “Esteghlal are a dangerous side and managed to finish ahead of Al Ain. We need to be careful and give our best to show our worth and ensure our presence in the semifinals.”