DOHA: Under pressure to close gap on points leaders Al Rayyan, Doha giants Al Sadd are feeling edgy going into their round 14 clash against minnows Mesaimeer today.
Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira yesterday said he will miss the services of captain experienced midfielder Xavi and key striker Hassan Al Haydos.
“It will be a difficult game for us just like all other games. Unfortunately, we are missing a few players who have gone to the Olympic team and also some injuries,” Ferreira said.
“We will not have a strong bench. But it’s not an excuse to not win this game. Al Sadd must win this game despite the situation of the players,” Ferreira said.
Last Monday El Jaish hammered Al Sadd 4-2 after Ferreira’s side beat Al Rayyan in the previous round.
Ferreira said Al Sadd needs more time to settle with a new coach.
“We have had three matches, each one had its own level. Three weeks of working with the team doesn’t give you all the indications of what the players are capable of doing” Ferreira said.
“A couple of matches we haven’t done well. We changed some players in the last match and we will have to do that in this match,” he said.
“And that’s why the team’s rhythm is not stable.
“So I cannot judge the players. We have to play each match looking for the victory. This is my philosophy as a coach and that’s what I am communicating with the players and that is what they have to do in the future” he said.
When asked about the missing players, Ferreria said: “Xavi and Hassan Al Haydos will miss this match because of injury.”
Mesaimeer coach Rodion Gacanin said his team has injury concerns going into the clash at Al Ahli Stadium.
“The first part of the league is finished with us in the last position. The three teams directly in front of us have been able to get a few points and put some distance between us and them. For tomorrow’s game we will miss seven players,” Gacanin said.
“Considering the quality of players that we have and the strength of the squad, it will be a difficult game for us. But Al Sadd too have players missing for this match. Tomorrow, we will go to the field, hope to play well and look for a positive result.
“Hopefully we will be able to bring in new players in January. I will give the management a report of my team’s performance so far. Give them a list of the players that I am not satisfied with and also the list of players that I want,” Gacanin said.
The game starts at 18:45.
THE PENINSULA
