Al Sadd’s coach Jesualdo Ferreira
DOHA: Expressing disappointment over a draw against Al Gharafa in QNB Stars League (QSL), head coach Jesualdo Ferreira has said Al Sadd will have to pull their socks up in the upcoming AFC Champions League quarter-final clash against Iran’s Esteghlal.
Al Sadd, who scored 16 goals in their first two (QSL) games, relied on a penalty in last second of the added time to earn a 1-1 draw against Al Gharafa in their third game of the QSL on Sunday. They could have secured victory had their top scorer in striker Baghdad Bounedjah not missed a penalty earlier in the match.
Ferreira said his ranks committed mistakes in the match which Al Gharafa exploited and managed to score a goal.
“As I had said earlier, the match and Al Gharafa would bring up surprises, especially as they are a strong team with excellent players. They exploited our mistakes to score the first goal after Bounedjah missed the penalty,” said Ferreira.
“In the second half, we put a lot of pressure and threatened the Al Gharafa goal on many occasions. Al Haydos scored the equaliser from the spot but this draw is a warning bell for the players, ahead of the upcoming games in Asia and at home.”
Ferreira also expressed his dejection over the injury of key Al Sadd defender Ibrahim Majid during the match.
“I am disappointed by the result, but more so by Ibrahim Majid’s injury. I would rather not have him injured even if we lost the match,” he said.
Ferreira also pointed out that he had asked the players to be fully focused as Al Gharafa had displayed great form.
“Al Sadd were not mentally ready, which is one of the reasons we conceded the first goal. I warn the players to not lose their focus, especially before the game against Esteghlal. The lack of focus was the prime reason we wasted many chances, which would have been enough for us to score three or four goals.” However, Al Sadd head coach said his team has the potential to bounce back and produce outstanding performances in key matches ahead.
“Al Sadd players are very professional and are capable of returning strongly in the next game (against Esteghlal). Also, as I said before, the team hasn’t reached its peak yet.”
Al Sadd and Esteghlal will square off in the first leg of AFC quarter-finals at Azadi Stadium in Tehran on August 27.
