I am expecting a tough game as Qatar SC can throw up a surprise: Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira
Struggling Qatar SC visit Al Sadd today, knowing their defenders must deliver a promising performance as the two teams lock horns at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Qatar SC, coached by Gabriel Calderon, have won one game in the QNB Stars League this season but lost the other two in the three rounds of the 10-team league.
Al Sadd, coached by Jesualdo Ferreira, will be looking to pick up points against the visitors in a game set to kick off at 7.40pm.
“They’re a side which can lift its performance to any level any time. They’ve the players to do that and Xavi & Co can tear off any defence,” Calderon said at a pre-match press conference.
“As far as I’m concerned, every match is like a final and I’m preparing my boys that way,” the Argentine added.
To a question on the lessons picked by his players from their first three league games, the Argentinian coach said that they must mainly tighten their defence.
“Even in the QSL Cup, we scored eight goals, but conceded five. Our defenders need to pull up their socks,” Calderon said.
Calderon said: “So far, we’ve only scored one victory to show for our efforts in our comeback campaign so we definitely need more of them and points. We seek at least a point from this high-profile fixture. I’m very happy to announce that my wards are getting better after every match.”
He added: “We know that even though Al Sadd took time to settle down (in the opening games), but they came back strongly. Our players are an inspired lot.”
Al Sadd coach Ferreira said he was thrilled to welcome back key Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah.
“Baghdad had missed the first three league matches with an injury. When a player is severely injured and is away for a long time, he’ll need some time to regain his form and physical fitness,” said Ferreira.
When asked about his opponents, Ferreira quickly said: “I am expecting a tough game as Qatar SC can throw up a surprise.”
The Portuguese pointed out that Al Sadd took great advantage from the league’s stoppage.
“In fact, I wish I had all my players, including youngsters, at the team training sessions, so we could’ve our drills comprehensively,” Ferreira said.
Ferreira, however, said releasing players for national duty should not affect the team’s preparations for league fixtures.
Meanwhile, former champions Al Rayyan will take on promoted side Al Markhiya at Al Sadd Stadium.
Lions’ coach Michael Laudrup said his team won’t take newcomers Al Markhiya lightly.
“We’re taking the game against Al Markhiya very seriously as they had beaten Al Sadd in the very first round, no matter the overturned result for fielding an ineligible player. We want to win this match,” said Laudrup yesterday.
“Of course, we start as the favourites. But favourites can lose, so you’ve to show your strength on the pitch. We’ve prepared well for this game. Al Markhiya are the promoted side, but they’ve played some tight matches and have good game plans,” the Dane added.
“They’ll defend stoutly and resort to counter-attacks with the help of a few fast players. They also showed their strength through a couple of good games in the QSL Cup during the break (Al Markhiya defeated Al Sadd again and drew with Al Arabi),” Laudrup said.
The Danish coach underlined the fact that Al Rayyan have many options in the attack with the likes of veteran forward Sebastian Soria and Abderrazzak Hamdellah.
Teams officials said key striker Rodrigo Tabata, who underwent a surgery after their last league match, is expected to take the field in the second half against Al Markhiya.
