Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup speaks during a press conference.

Al Sadd are preparing for a tough Qatar Cup semi-final today against Al Rayyan even as they aim to retain the title for the second year in a row. 

Al Sadd have been a regular presence in the Qatar Cup and also in its earlier version, Heir Apparent’s Cup. They qualified this time after finishing as runners-up in the QNB Stars League.
“Everyone in the club gives much importance to the game against Al Rayyan in the Qatar Cup semi-final. They know that it will be a tough game. We will do our best to achieve our target of reaching the final. We will be playing in the Emir’s Cup after this tournament and we hope we will succeed in both,” Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira said during a press conference yesterday.
“We’ve qualified for the AFC Champions League’s Round of 16 and we’re satisfied with our performance even though the knockout stage will be difficult. We go into all matches, especially in the cup competitions, as if we are playing a final. In the Champions League, we have two games and we will work to win them. I pay tribute to the players who have made great progress knowing that the upcoming games will be difficult and require more focus.
“I have an important message to our fans for this game. I do not want the fans of Al Rayyan to outscore us in the stands and ask them to fill the stadium before the fans of Al Rayyan come in. Our fans must know that we are Qatar Cup holders,” said Ferreira.
Al Sadd player Akram Afif too was upbeat about the blockbuster game. “It’s going to be a tough game. Al Rayyan are out of the AFC Champions League. They would want to satisfy their fans. I am happy to be representing Al Sadd. We are thinking about the semifinal at the moment. We will do our best to win it.”
Interestingly, Al Sadd had defeated Al Rayyan 3-1 in last year’s semi-final of the Qatar Cup. They went on to beat erstwhile El Jaish 2-1 in the title clash.
The two teams had shared the honours in the QNB Stars League this season.
“In football, you always have to look ahead and learn from the past. We have a strong game against Al Sadd and our matches always have a special flavour. We are now preparing the team to be at its best during this period,” Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup said.
“This is what the players know and we will work to equip the team so that it is at its best. I cannot prepare any result or expect it, but we can prepare to perform very well. I wish we convert the chances that we create into goals unlike what happened with us against Al Sadd earlier.
“Be it in the league, AFC Champions League or cup tournament, Al Rayyan have proved they are strong. It won’t be different this time. I promise that our players will bring out their best and I expect the game to be very strong. There are some small details that will determine the winners.”
Al Rayyan player Ahmed Yasser added, “This is my first Qatar Cup with Al Rayyan, having played for Al Duhail earlier, so I wish to win this title, especially since we have exited from the AFC Champions League.”









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