Al Sadd players take part in a training session ahead of their QNB Stars League Round 20 match against Al Duhail.
Coach Jesualdo Ferreira has said points leaders Al Sadd will take on Al Duhail without any pressure as the two QNB Stars League (QSL) giants square off in their crucial Round 20 clash, today.
Al Sadd, who with 50 points are leading defending champions Al Duhail by 4 points, will clinch the title if they manage to beat Al Duhail on their home turf, as they will take an assailable lead in the 22-round competition.
Al Duhail, on the other hand, will keep their hopes of retaining the title alive if they manage a victory or a draw.
The 13-time champions, Al Sadd have not won a QSL title since the 2012-13 season, and despite the high stakes in today’s battle ‘The Wolves’ will enter the field with ‘no pressure’.
“We are very satisfied. We have no pressure and we will work to win,” Ferreira said at a pre-match press conference.
“I do not expect anyone to predict the result of this game, which could decide the title with two matches remaining. We played most of our games under pressure and we are ahead of Al Duhail by four points. Even if we lose, we will continue to lead the table,” said the seasoned Portuguese coach.
Al Sadd have the most number of victories (16) to their credit in the ongoing season. Al Duhail are second on that front with 14 wins.
Al Sadd, who beat Al Sailiya 2-0 in the last round, drew two matches and lost one to have a goal difference of +68 (85 goals for and 17 against). They also have the best goal difference among the 12 teams.
Al Duhail, who defeated Umm Salal 3-1 in Week 19, have four draws and one defeat against their name. The Red Knights’ goal difference is +33 (47 goals for and 14 against).
Ferreira said his players were better throughout the season and deserve to lift the Falcon Shield.
“We have players at the highest level and I think it is time we won the league and Al Sadd deserve it this season,” he said.
“We have three games left in the league and we have to focus on all small details in such big games. I have great confidence in the players. I want them to build on that confidence, enjoy the game and make the fans happy.”
Meanwhile, Al Sadd’s Gabi Fernandez was itching to seal the title today.
“I want to finish off the task,” said Gabi, who was accompanying his coach at the press conference.
“I cannot wait for the last two games. I have played a lot of important games and, for me, it is a great honour in my first season to win the league title with Al Sadd,” said the Spaniard.
“I love such games and it will be a privilege for me and my team to win the title. We had started our work at the beginning of the season and we deserve to win the title. It is important for all members of the team,” he added.
Gabi, however said it will not be an easy task to beat Al Duhail on their home ground.
“We, at Al Sadd, deal with this game very smartly, especially since we are facing a team with distinguished players. My message to the fans is that this game is of the highest level, reaching the European level, and we all (players and fans alike) have to take responsibility to win the league.” he said.
The match will kick off at 7:15pm.
