Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira spoke to the media ahead of their Qatar Cup semifinal against Al Rayyan.

“Everyone in the club gives much importance to the game against Al Rayyan in the Qatar Cup semifinal. They know that it will be a tough game. 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.

“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.

“Everyone knows I have said over and over again that the Qatari referees offer excellent levels and they have improved a lot in the last three years. They need more big games to further develop themselves. Video technology at the Qatar Cup is a welcome addition.

“Al Rayyan are a big team. Two seasons ago, they won the league and most of the players who achieved it are still with them. So we won’t be complacent.

“I have an important message to our fans for this game. I do not want the fans of Al Rayyan to outscore us in the stands and ask them to fill the stadium before the fans of Al Rayyan come in. Our fans must know that we are Qatar Cup holders," said Ferreira.

Al Sadd player Akram Afif, said, “It’s going to be a tough game. Al Rayan are out of the AFC Champions League. Therefore, they want to satisfy their fans. I am happy to be representing Al Sadd. We are thinking about the semifinal at the moment. We will our best to win it.”