Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira would like to take inspiration from the season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup that his team won by beating Al Duhail, their opponent’s in tomorrow’s Qatar Cup final.
However, since that victory Duhail have won both their QNB Stars League encounters, the second one courtesy two late goals.
“We are facing a strong team not only in Qatar, perhaps the strongest in Asia as can be made out from Al Duhail’s results in the AFC Champions league. That is why we are preparing in the best possible way,” the Portuguese said about his opponents.
“This is the sixth final Al Sadd are playing under me and we hope this is going to be in favour of us.
“We are also counting on the support of our fans. They will support us like anything and that is an advantage for us.”
He added: “Last season was very good for us. We finished runners-up in the league and won the Qatar Cup and Emir’s Cup.”
Looking back at the season so far, Ferreira said, “This season was also not bad for us. We had beaten Al Duhail in the season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup even though we lost in both phases of the QNB Stars League.
“But then, in the second-phase match, we almost won, but for the two last-gasp goals. Before that face-off, the difference between the two teams was only two points. We had faced some difficulties in the first phase, such as injuries to key players and national-team duties.
“Against Al Duhail, it is going to be very tough. They have won the league competition with an unbeaten record and won all group matches in the AFC Champions League. I do not think much about the future. I am focused on the assignment on hand.”
Ferreira said he is favour of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. “I am all for technology that assists the game and impacts the end result in a better way. VAR should help us avoid many blunders like those happened in the past,” the 71-year-old said.
Al Sadd’s ace striker Baghdad Bounedjah said, “This game is going to be different from the league matches. I hope all my teammates will rise to the big occasion. We will do everything we can to retain the cup. Al Duhail are strong, so are we. They keep scoring many goals in most of the matches, so we will defend well.”
While Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi must be buoyed by the big win over Al Gharafa in the semi-final, he does have to deal with the absence of Youssef Msakni.
“Of course, we will miss Msakni due to his cruciate knee injury. He has had his best season in Qatar overall. He not only excelled in scoring goals, but was also outstanding in giving assists. But I trust this squad. I cannot cry or complain that we do not have the services of Msakni. We have a lot of young players in the squad,” said the Algerian.
“It is definitely going to be an exciting match and exciting finish when the big two teams in Qatar clash against each other. We respect all teams, not just Al Sadd. I like to see my team score more and more goals and win matches.
“Al Sadd have world-class players such as Xavi (Hernandez) and a very good coach in Jesualdo Ferreira. But I have no worries. I have no fear. I can talk about tactics only after the game. I study my opponents and gives instructions to my players. And we are just ready for the matches,” the 42-year-old said.
“Against Al Gharafa in the semi-final, we changed our strategy after a goalless first half and got the rewards for it. We were successful in stopping them from building moves from behind. Then, it was easy for us to press hard. And we avoided the mistakes we did in the opening session.
“It is going to be a tight game. I wish it does not go into penalties. We are keen to win this trophy.”
Al Duhail midfielder Luis Martin said, “We have big respect for Al Sadd. It goes without saying that this is a very important game for both teams. Winning this cup will be a big boost for us in the AFC Champions League’s knockout phase. Our success is because of our hard work. We have players who are together for many seasons. We are professionals and we have learnt from our mistakes. It is also about our desire to win. When you have 18 strong players, you can be unbeaten.”
Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira in conversation during a training session yesterday. Right: Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi addresses the media during a press conference yesterday.
