Ferreira: We’re really focused ahead of Al-Rayyan clash

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira spoke to the media on Thursday, ahead of his side’s Qatar Cup semifinal clash with Al-Rayyan, describing it as “a difficult match” that will require “a lot of hard work” to win.

“This is the third time I’m managing Al-Sadd in the Qatar Cup semifinal and this time, we have a difficult clash against Al-Rayyan coming up. I want Al-Sadd fans to come in large numbers and help us achieve victory,” said the coach. “We must be focused and work really hard in order to clinch a place in the final.”

Asked about his side’s Asian campaign and its effects on the domestic cups, Ferreira said: “We are very happy with our performance in the AFC Champions League until now and we have tough matches coming up. Our focus now (though) is on the match against Al-Rayyan; one loss in the Cup competitions and we are out.”

“The Al-Sadd players know the importance of playing as a team and they know that all the remaining matches are difficult. So, we need to be really focused in order to achieve all that we aspire to.”

The Portuguese coach also commented on the use of video technology to help referees in the Qatar Cup. “Everyone knows how much I appreciate Qatari referees. There has been a great improvement in their level and they need more difficult matches to develop further,” said Ferreira. “I support the idea of video technology. It’s here to protect football but it hasn’t come at the correct time. There will be a number of supporting and opposing views; there will be a lot of pressure on the referee even with the use of this technology.”

As for the resignation of the management officials from Al-Rayyan, Ferreira said: “The resignation could motivate the players to give their best and improve the situation of the team. I know that these things won’t affect them. Al-Rayyan is a big team that has won the league title two years ago. From my experience, if we think in this manner, these things will affect us.”

Finally, Ferreira went on to send a message to the Al-Sadd fans, saying: “Saturday’s game is important. I don’t want to see the Al-Rayyan fans more in number compared to Al-Sadd fans. I want our fans to fill the stadium. They should know that we are the title holders and we will seek to win it again.”