Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira (right) speaks during a press conference as star Akram Afif looks on yesterday. RIGHT: Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup gestures during a press conference. Defending champions Al Sadd and Al Rayyan will square off in the fir
Doha: Reigning champions Al Sadd are roaring with confidence as they head into the first semi-final of Qatar Cup against wounded Al Rayyan at their backyard tomorrow.
Coached by Jesualdo Ferreira, ‘The Wolves’, who won the trophy last year by defeating now defunct El Jaish in the final, will enter the Al Sadd Stadium clash as favourites against ‘The Lions’ courtesy of their better run than their rivals this season.
Al Sadd (second) finished ahead of Al Rayyan (third) in the QNB Stars League (QSL) while Xavi Hernandez-led side also qualified for the knock-out stage of AFC Champions League. On the other hand, Michael Laudrup’s Al Rayyan endured a contrasting fate in the continental event failing to advance after defeat to Al Ain last Monday.
But despite holding an upper hand ahead of the semi-final, Ferreira is not taking anything for granted against Al Rayyan.
“Everyone in the club gives much importance to the game against Al Rayyan. They know that it will be a tough game,” Al Sadd coach told a press conference at Al Sadd Stadium yesterday.
“We will do our best to achieve our target of reaching the final. We will be playing in the Emir’s Cup after this tournament and we hope we will succeed in both,” he said before adding there will be no room for complacency against ‘tough’ Al Rayyan.
“Al Rayyan are a big team. Two seasons ago, they won the league (QSL) and most of the players who achieved it are still with them. So we won’t be complacent,” he said.
Ferreira also expressed delight on his team’s performance lauding his players for making it to the last 16 stage of AFC Champions League.
“I am very happy the way team is performing. We’ve qualified for the AFC Champions League’s Round of 16 and we’re satisfied with our performance even though the knockout stage will be difficult. We go into all matches, especially in the Cup competitions, as if we are playing a final.
“In the Champions League, we have two games and we will work to win them. I pay tribute to the players who have made great progress knowing that the upcoming games will be difficult and require more focus.”
Meanwhile, Al Rayyan coach Laudrup admitted that failure to progress in the AFC Champions League has taken a toll in team and hoped his team will bounce back with a good performance at Qatar Cup. “The loss against Al Ain is still hurting us as we were desperate to qualify for the AFC Champions League last 16 stage. But in football, you always have to look ahead and learn from the past,” said Al Rayyan coach. “We have a strong game against Al Sadd and our matches always have a special flavour. We are now preparing the team to be at its best during this period.
“This is what the players know and we will work to equip the team so that it is at its best. I cannot prepare any result or expect it, but we can prepare to perform very well. I wish we convert the chances that we create into goals unlike what happened with us against Al Sadd earlier,” said Laudrup.
The former Denmark player disagreed with the notion that Al Rayyan fail in big matches.
“Be it in the league, AFC Champions League or Cup tournament, Al Rayyan have proved they are strong. It won’t be different this time. I promise that our players will bring out their best and I expect the game to be very strong. There are some small details that will determine the winners.
“As for my future with Al Rayyan, I am not worried about my contract ending at the end of the season. We will talk and decide my course.”
