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Wagner Ferreira carries much hopes as Al Khor try hard to improve their position in the 2018-19 season QNB Stars League, which is past the halfway mark.

Al Khor were at the receiving end in many matches, some of which they could have won. The Knights are currently languishing at the 11th position with eight points. Their two victories came against Al Rayyan and Al Kharaitiyat, while they drew with Al Shahania and Qatar SC.

Wagner, who joined Al Khor this season from his native Brazil’s Vasco da Gama club, has scored three goals for them and is hungry for more. The 33-year-old attacking midfielder spoke to QSL Online in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

How have you found your first season in Qatar?

I really enjoy it. This is a new country and new experience for me. I like this country and the atmosphere to play the game. I’m still learning a lot about football in Qatar.

How is the level/standard of competition in the QNB Stars League?

The competition is tough in the QNB Stars League. The level is good. I think it’s getting better after every season on all fronts.

You had previous stints in China (Tianjin Teda) and Turkey (Gaziantepspor), besides your native country Brazil. How do you compare them with Qatar?

Every place is different. So is the style of the game. In the QNB Stars League, we’ve more time and space to play. We get time to rest and make a good recovery before the next match.

How do you find playing for Al Khor?

It feels good. The most important thing is that I’m so happy. And I hope to score more goals and give more assistance, because I wish to win more matches with Al Khor.

Don’t you think Al Khor could’ve performed much better?

Yes, of course. A hundred per cent. I hope we’ll get back to winning ways sooner rather than later. We deserve a better position in the league.

Have you felt that Al Khor could’ve registered more victories than just two (against Al Rayyan and Al Kharaitiyat)?

Yes, we could’ve won more matches. We were good in many games, where we put up strong performances. We were badly hit by some suspensions. Overall, luck wasn’t on our side.

What’s the target for Al Khor in the 2018-19 season QNB Stars League?

Our goal is to collect as many points as possible and finish the season in a good position.

How is it like playing under coach Bernard Casoni?

Casoni is a very good person and very good coach. I’m learning a lot from him. He is trying to bring the best out of the players.

How is the co-operation between Al Khor team-mates? How’s the team composition?

The players are very co-operative. It’s good to see team spirit prevail always. When someone needs help, others are on hand to extend it. No one ever says no.

In your opinion, which team is the strongest contender for the QNB Stars League title this season?

According to me, Al Sadd and Al Duhail are the firm favourites to win the league competition this season. Both teams have outstanding players in their ranks.

How do you assess Al Khor’s match against Al Arabi in Week 12 last week?

We had prepared for the game very well, but were unlucky and found ourselves at the receiving end. It was a game that we could’ve won.

How do you view your coming games, back-to-back against Al Duhail and Al Sadd?

Both will be tough tests for us. As I said earlier, Al Duhail and Al Sadd are the two strong contenders for the title. I can only hope we win and thus add to our points tally. We badly need points in order to stay away from the danger zone. Some positive results will suddenly make a lot of difference.

How was it like representing Brazil two times in the Under-23 age category?

There couldn’t have a better feeling than that. It was the realisation of a dream.

Source: qsl.qa

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