Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Sadd have an important period of football in May, according to the team’s coach Jesualdo Ferreira. The Wolves will take on Al Rayyan in the Amir Cup semi-final, but before that, they have a date to keep on Monday against Saudi Arabia side Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League.
Al Sadd currently sit atop Group D with with seven points while Al Ahli are behind with six.
"We have won the league title and the players are high on confidence, May could be crucial for us domestically and in Asia as we have the Amir Cup and group matches round-up this month,” Ferreira said.
Al Sadd started off this year’s competition on a losing note as they were at the receiving end of a 0-2 verdict against Al Ahli.
"Tomorrow’s game will be fully different from the away fixture after the change of coach. All that we are trying for us to get the three points to increase the gap between us and them to four and to secure qualification.
"This is our last game at home in the group stage and so it is very important for us. Winning it will take us to the next round. Al-Sadd always impress at home,” the Portuguese added.
After winning the league last month, Ferreira announced this would be his last season at the helm. The QFA Coach of the Year winner said of his impending exit, "My contract with the team will end after this season. A new coach will take the reins and I wish him all the best. Al Sadd currently rely on big players, who are going to lead the team alongside the new coach.”
The Wolves will welcome back Pedro Miguel and Akram Afif, who both missed their last game against Pakhtakor due to suspension.
Al Duhail face tough task at Azadi Stadium
Al Duhail can confirm their place in the next round with a draw, provided Group C leaders Al Hilal defeat Al Ain on Monday.
Goals from Medhi Benatia, Youssef El Arabi and Ali Afif had given Al Duhail a perfect start to the campaign with a 3-0 win over Esteghlal in the reverse fixture two months ago.
Meanwhile Esteghlal are third in the group with four points -- knowing victory against Duhail would set them up nicely for a shot at the knockout stages.
The Red Knights coach Rui Faria believes the club are well prepared to make it out of the "toughest group.”
"We have studied the Esteghlal very well and we know that the team has changed their coaching staff which might affect how they play. But as I said earlier, this group is the toughest because it includes clubs that have already won this tournament.
"It will be a difficult match as both teams are motivated to move to the next stage. Victory for us means officially qualifying for the next round, while our opponents have a lot to lose considering their standing in the group,” Faria said.
Doha
Al Sadd have an important period of football in May, according to the team’s coach Jesualdo Ferreira. The Wolves will take on Al Rayyan in the Amir Cup semi-final, but before that, they have a date to keep on Monday against Saudi Arabia side Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League.
Al Sadd currently sit atop Group D with with seven points while Al Ahli are behind with six.
"We have won the league title and the players are high on confidence, May could be crucial for us domestically and in Asia as we have the Amir Cup and group matches round-up this month,” Ferreira said.
Al Sadd started off this year’s competition on a losing note as they were at the receiving end of a 0-2 verdict against Al Ahli.
"Tomorrow’s game will be fully different from the away fixture after the change of coach. All that we are trying for us to get the three points to increase the gap between us and them to four and to secure qualification.
"This is our last game at home in the group stage and so it is very important for us. Winning it will take us to the next round. Al-Sadd always impress at home,” the Portuguese added.
After winning the league last month, Ferreira announced this would be his last season at the helm. The QFA Coach of the Year winner said of his impending exit, "My contract with the team will end after this season. A new coach will take the reins and I wish him all the best. Al Sadd currently rely on big players, who are going to lead the team alongside the new coach.”
The Wolves will welcome back Pedro Miguel and Akram Afif, who both missed their last game against Pakhtakor due to suspension.
Al Duhail face tough task at Azadi Stadium
Al Duhail can confirm their place in the next round with a draw, provided Group C leaders Al Hilal defeat Al Ain on Monday.
Goals from Medhi Benatia, Youssef El Arabi and Ali Afif had given Al Duhail a perfect start to the campaign with a 3-0 win over Esteghlal in the reverse fixture two months ago.
Meanwhile Esteghlal are third in the group with four points -- knowing victory against Duhail would set them up nicely for a shot at the knockout stages.
The Red Knights coach Rui Faria believes the club are well prepared to make it out of the "toughest group.”
"We have studied the Esteghlal very well and we know that the team has changed their coaching staff which might affect how they play. But as I said earlier, this group is the toughest because it includes clubs that have already won this tournament.
"It will be a difficult match as both teams are motivated to move to the next stage. Victory for us means officially qualifying for the next round, while our opponents have a lot to lose considering their standing in the group,” Faria said.