Sabri Lamouchi
Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira will be looking for the maiden Qatar Cup for his club when they take on defending champions El Jaish in the today’s final at Al Sadd Stadium.
The Portuguese coach is heading to his first ever Qatar Cup final, knowing that a win will cap off a fine season at the helm of the Wolves.
The 70-year old tactician brings a wealth of experience to the Al Sadd hot seat, having been in charge of every major club in Portugal along with lifting the Portuguese championship on three occasions with Porto.
This season, Ferreira guided his side to a second place finish in the QSL, just missing out on the Falcon shield by two points to Lekhwiya. Al Sadd has also been one of the most consistent sides over the course of the season, only losing on one occasion to Lekhwiya.
Ferriera called on the Al Sadd fans to come in large numbers and cheer their side to glory.
“We are only playing for the win in this final, we need full concentration I have full confidence in my side. It will not be an easy game, but I am expecting a good match and I invite all Al Sadd fans to attend the game.”
“Al Sadd did not get any titles this season, El Jaish are a tough team and it won’t be easy for either side. The pressure is good for me and my side. This final is for winning,it is important that our players and my team have a good mentality going into the game” added Ferreira.
The Portuguese said his team is confident of winning the title and ready to repulse the threat of El Jaish.
Al Sadd have missed crucial penalties this season, and Ferreia insisted that his side will be prepared should the tie go to spot-kicks.
“We need luck if we win by penalties, we have missed penalties this season but this does not mean that the players who missed them are bad. We will aim with more goals, to avoid this situation.”
El Jaish's caoch Sabri Lamouchi said he has told his players to enjoy playing in the final.
“We are so happy to play in the Qatar Cup final. I just want to thank my players, I am so proud to coach El Jaish and work with these players. I am so surprised to be here, and we just want to enjoy the final, but the final is a final and we must play for the victory.”
“It was difficult against Lekhwiya, but my player put in a great performance against the best team in Qatar and we deserve to be in the final” added the Frenchman.
El Jaish are set to be merged with Lekhwiya at the end of the season, and Lamouchi admitted that it’s been tough for his side recently.
“The final will be emotional, because in a few weeks after this, El Jaish will be no more so I am sad for myself, the players and management. We have to use this emotion to win the game.”
Jaish have revealed that Moroccan striker Abdulrazak Hamdullah will be fit for the final.
“It’s good for him, and I hope it is good for us. Hamdullah is ready to play, and I am happy he will be able to finish his time with El Jaish playing for the club. We want to finish our history in the best possible way.”
