Al Sadd take on Al Khor on Friday evening off the back of a 3-1 Doha derby win over rivals Al Arabi. The Wolves will be targeting a win to keep the pressure on league leaders El Jaish. Head coach Jesaldo Ferriera gave his thoughts to the local media ahead of the tie. 

Opening up the press conference Ferriera stressed that his squad must be in peak condition heading to a packed December schedule. “We are playing seven games in less than one month, that i why i need a full squad going into this run.” 

“We are playing more games in one month than we have so far this season. It’s a real challenge for our team but if we want to battle for the titles we need to go through this period” added the Portuguese tactician when asked about fixture congestion effecting their title bid. 

Ferriera also had some words for his opponent  heading into the Friday afternoon game.“Al Khor are a well organised team, they are not always scoring goals but they are tight in defence. I am expecting a tough challenge. When Al Khor take on Al Sadd they are eager to get a result, that is why we must focus and aim to get all three points in this game.”

Ending the press conference, Ferriera stressed that his side had complete forgot about the Doha derby win over Al Arabi; “We are now focusing on the next game, the team is improving all the time, everyone is expecting Sadd to do well. However the squad need to work harder then ever to improve their title chances this season.”



As for Al Khor, they head into the game against Al Sadd of the back of a narrow 2-1 defeat to an inform Al Gharafa side. Head coach Jean Fernandez gave his thoughts to the local media ahead of the game. 
 

Opening the press conference, coach Fernandez stressed the task ahead for his side. “We are facing one of the best teams in the league, who are battling for the QSL title. We are expecting a tough game, but we are ready and prepared to give our all in the game.” 

Al Khor lost last time out to Al Gharafa, and coach Fernandez hinted that his side must improve in front of goal.“After the last defeat against Al Gharafa, we addressed the balance in our squad. We are unlucky at times in front of goal this season and this has been a focus of ours this season.” 

Ending the press conference the French tactitain outlined his aims from the tie“ Al Sadd have four or five strong players in attack. Our priority in this game is to defend well, if we do not defend well then our game will not go so well. However after defending well, we need to build on this and we will have to attack when the time is right.”