Enthusiastic response to Olaroiu’s pep talk

AFC – DOHA, Coach Cosmin Olaroiu revelled in Al Sadd’s “enthusiastic” second-half display as the Qatari side produced a devastating comeback to beat Iran’s Mes Kerman 4-1 in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday.

Al Sadd were trailing at half-time as Mes’ returning Brazilian striker Edinho capitalised on a horrendous error from home defender Tahir Zakariya to strike after 21 minutes at Sheik Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

But four goals in a 13 minute spell at the start of the second half sealed Al Sadd’s second win of the campaign in emphatic style.

“We have the problem of not concentrating sometimes. We were suffering in the first half. We didn’t have confidence in our play or enough personality. I told them don’t feel the pressure. In the second half, immediately, they started playing a great game,” said Olaroiu.

“We scored four goals in a few minutes. Just a few days ago, we conceded three goals in a few minutes against Al Gharafa last Friday.”

Al Sadd’s in-form Brazilian forward Leandro kick-started the spell with a quick-fire brace before Felipe Jorge’s sublime chip capped a remarkable five minutes at the start of the second half before Talal Al Baloushi wrapped up the win before the hour mark.

“After the first goal, our confidence was restored. I told my players that once you score soon after the break you will feel better. You could see their enthusiasm after the first goal,” added Olaroiu.

“That’s how I would describe our play in the second half – we were enthusiastic.”

Mes Kerman coach Luka Bonacic, meanwhile, was left to rue several missed chances which left the door open for Al Sadd’s comeback.

“We had a few problems in the team combination. In the first half, after we scored the first goal, we had two or three good opportunities to score and we wasted them. That cost us heavily,” said Bonacic.

“In the second half, we conceded so many goals. The last two goals were a disaster.

“During the break, I said to my players ‘come on; be prepared to play like the first half and keep possession of the ball’. But it did not happen.

“In the first five minutes of second half, Al Sadd showed better quality.”

Mes have now suffered heavy back-to-back heavy but Bonacic remained upbeat.

“I think it is difficult to qualify but not impossible. When we started in the Champions League we were looking at the first two places,” he added.

“Now Al Sadd will come forward. But remember, Al Sadd has to go to Al Hilal and visit us. Nothing is over yet.”