Al Sadd’s assistant coach Nuno Dalmada
DOHA: Al Sadd, still seething from their dramatic Qatar Cup final loss last week, will be looking to bounce back against Al Khor in an Emir Cup clash at Abdulla Bin Khalifa Stadium here today.
Coach Jesulado Ferreira’s team, which lost to Al Duhail 2-1 in the Qatar Cup final through a debatable Video Assistant Referee (VAR) penalty goal, are yet to win a trophy this season.
At the same venue today, QNB Stars League (QSL) champions Al Duhail can keep their treble hopes alive if they beat Umm Salal in the day’s second Emir Cup quarter-finals.
Al Sadd, popularly known as the Wolves, will miss a couple of players through suspension and injuries but have sufficient quality bench strength.
Asked about the preparation for today’s match Al Sadd assistant coach Nuno Dalmada said yesterday: “We have had no special training session, just a normal one. We want to win, and we want to advance to the next round. Our objective is to win every match in all competitions, it is difficult but we train that way.”
The Portuguese said the loss in the Qatar Cup had its effect on the players but assured they will bounce back with all the vigour.
“We have been affected by the decisions of the (Qatar Cup) final. It has taken a toll on the players. At the end of the day we are humans,” Dalmada said.
“Yes, indeed the loss has affected us psychologically, however, on the other hand it makes us more united and motivated to attain success. We will be missing important players who have been sent off the field but we still have players who will be equal to the task and rise to the occasion,” Dalmada added.
Al Khor coach Nassif Al Bayawi said his side ‘feels ready’ to take on Al Sadd and believes his team can maintain their impressive run in the Emir Cup.
“We are pleased to reach the quarter-finals and play against Al Sadd. I believe in the players, I believe in our chances of winning,” said Al Bayawi.
The loss against Al Duhail in the Qatar Cup final will fire Al Sadd to raise the bar, warned Al Khor coach.
“We will be playing against a strong team like Al Sadd. We know that Al Sadd has done very well in the Qatar Cup having lost to Al Duhail in extra ordinary circumstances,” Al Bayawi said.
“They will be missing a number of players through injuries and sanctions. These factors could give them motivation to play stronger, but we are prepared for that,” he added.
Meanwhile, Umm Salal coach Talal Al Karkouri said his side has an opportunity to ‘achieve something’ in the Emir Cup but at the same time said they need to be realistic.
“We play the best team of the QSL. Playing against strong team, we aim not to concede any goals in the beginning of the match and control the match. We want to go step by step in a controlled manner and with a strong mentality we hope to win,” said the Moroccan.
“We know our opponents have not lost but Umm Salal has a good track record in this championship (Emir Cup). We start on a high note. Any team in the world has weaknesses. It depends on the opponents, if the opponents will use (exploit) the weakness or not,” he added.
His opposite number Djamel Belmadi said he will be affecting a few changes from the side which took the field against Al Sadd in the Qatar Cup final.
“After the intense Qatar Cup final, it is time we gave chances to some youngsters,” Belmadi said yesterday.
“Some of the youngsters have come in the last 15 minutes and made the desired impact in Qatar Cup.
“Young players know that they are not there in the team just to make for the numbers but to latch on to the chances and make an impact, it is a step by step development,” added the Algerian tactician.
