Al Sadd wary of Al Rayyan backlash

Doha: Al Sadd have a definite edge over arch-rivals Al Rayyan but will be wary of the Lions backlash when the two teams meet in a high-profile Qatar Cup semifinal on Saturday.

Sadd, despite losing out to Al Duhail SC in the QNB Stars League title race, have looked strong throughout the season, especially when in full strength and Rayyan, in all probability, should find it tough against the reigning champions.

Rayyan are still hurting from their 1-4 defeat at the hands of Al Ain in the AFC Champions League which resulted in their group stage exit and if the players respond to that defeat in a positive manner, Sadd have reasons to be worried.

And that’s exactly why Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira says that there would be no room for complacency.

“Everyone knows the game against Al Rayyan will be a tough one. We will do our best to achieve our target of reaching the final. 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,” said Ferreira at the pre-match press conference.

Sadd also lost in their final group game in the Champions League, to Persepolis, but the Wolves, who were already assured of a berth in the last 16, have proved time and again this season that when in flow they are a difficult team to stop.

Sadd captain Xavi Hernandez, one of the finest midfielders ever, might be past his prime but the former Barcelona star still is a class apart when it comes to controlling the pace and flow of the game. Baghdad Bounedjah has lost quite a lot of playing time to injuries this season, but whenever on the field, he has been lethal.

In Morteza Mohammed, Pedro, Akram Afif, Jugurtha Hamroun, and Hassan Al Haydous, Sadd have players who can make a difference on their own.

“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,” said Ferreira.

Sadd forward Afif also felt Rayyan would be keen to hit back after their Champions League disappointment.

“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 Sadd. We are thinking about the semifinal at the moment. We will our best to win it,” said Afif.

Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup said they should forget their disappointment and look ahead.

“In football, you always have to look ahead and learn from the past. We have a strong game against Sadd and our matches always have a special flavour. We are now preparing the team to be at its best during this period,” said Laudrup.

Rayyan have put in some remarkable performances this season, including against Sadd and Duhail, before losing their focus towards the end of the season and Laudrup would be hoping that his players show what they are made of.

 “We will work to equip the team so that it is at its best. I cannot prepare for 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 Sadd earlier.

“Be it in the league, AFC Champions League or cup tournament, 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.

Rayyan definitely were bothered by some of the incidents regarding the club outside the field, including the resignation of Football Head Ali Salem Afifa and team manager Maskar Al Shafi, and unfortunately for them, it came at a wrong time.  

“The resignation of Ali Salem Afifa and team Maskar Al Shafi will not affect the players much,” said Laudrup, but he was only putting a brave face.

Rayyan defender Ahmed Yasser said they wanted to make up for the lost opportunity in the Champions League.

“This is my first Qatar Cup with Rayyan, having played for Al Duhail earlier, so I wish to win this title, especially since we have exited from the AFC Champions League,” said Yasser.

There is also a bit of history also attached to the match to be played at Al Sadd stadium as the Video Assistance Referee (VAR) system will be officially used in Qatar for the first time.

The match starts at 7 pm.