Sadd confident against Ahli

Al Sadd’s Portuguese head coach Jesualdo Ferreira is confident his side can return to winning ways when they face Al Ahli in their round 17 Qatar Stars League match today.
Al Sadd lie fourth in the QSL standings with 28 points from 16 matches and are aiming to get their campaign back on track after losing the prestigious Sheikh Jassim Cup to Lekhwiya last month.
 “Al Ahli will be a challenge for us; I think we should do well despite us not having the best results recently,” said Ferreira at his side’s pre-match press conference yesterday.
“Looking at our results on paper they look poor, but that doesn’t show how well our performances have been. Despite this we have plenty of positives, the players deserve better results and this will eventually come.”
Ferreria also noted that new signing Bagdad Bounedjah will be still recovering from an injury and unavailable for selection whilst the returning Qatar U23 players will be slowly eased backed into the squad after a busy three week-period for them.
Ferreira concluded the conference by saying. “I have full confidence that things will be fine and the results of the team will improve starting from Al Ahli match.”
New Al Ahli head coach Youssef Adam said that he is ready to lead the side against Al Sadd, insisting that he is not a stranger to the squad.
 “Al Sadd are one of the leading sides in the QSL, but the match will be settled in the field and the better team will win the game. Ahli have been unlucky in recent games.” Adam said.
The former El Jaish coach Adam praised the new signing the Moroccan striker Mouchine Iajour. “He has settled well with the club and will give us an extra edged in the final third.”
Meanwhile, El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi is calling for a big performance from his side ahead of their round 17 clash against Al Kharaitiyat today.
“We have forgot about the Khor match, it is time to focus on Kharatiyat I am expecting a positive performance and a strong result.” remarked the French tactician.
Lamouchi also had news on some key returning players for Jaish. “Lucas Mendez and Abdurahman Waleed should be fit for this tie. That will make a big difference to the side in the next few games.”

Lamouchi has faith in team
“Al Kharaitiyat play good football and I expect them to be well organised for this match. I watched them against Lekhwiya, I think they were unlucky not get a point. However we have prepared well and I have faith my team can get a positive result” Lamouchi said.
In contrast, Kharaitiyat coach Amir Osim predicted a tough test for his side. “Our last two matches have been against Lekhwiya and Al Rayyan, despite playing well we have zero points from these matches. We will need to work hard if we are to achieve a positive result against a team who is doing well in the league.
“Jaish lost in their last match against Al Khor and will be looking to avenge this.  However from what I seen from their recent matches, there are ways I think we can beat El Jaish,” the Bosnian said.
Osim also revealed that Kharaitiyat will be without talismanic striker Hassan Abdel Fattah, but did note that the rest of his squad will be fit for the challenge of El Jaish.
Talking of changes in the transfer window for Kharaitiyat, he said “We have only made one change in the transfer window. We are satisfied with our professional players at this club; I think that minimal changes in the winter window are for the best of the club. We don’t want to make lots of changes which could affect the harmony of the side. Playing with the same group will stabilize us in the long term; I only see that as a good thing for Al Kharaitiyat.”
Over to the pitch now.
Today’s Fixtures
El Jaish vs Al Kharaitiyat  4:30pm
Al Sadd vs Al Ahli  7:15pm