“I cannot describe my happiness” – Jesualdo Ferreira lifts Qatari title to join Mourinho in exclusive club

Jesualdo Ferreira became the fourth Portuguese manager to win a domestic title in three different countries, after his Al Sadd side were crowned 2018-19 Qatari Stars League champions on Thursday.

Ferreira’s team hammered Al Ahli 7-2 to extend their advantage over Rui Faria’s Al Duhail to seven points with just one game of the campaign remaining, meaning the 72-year-old joins Artur Jorge, José Mourinho and Vítor Pereira in becoming a national champion in three different countries.

“This title is a deserved one for Al Sadd and we were the best team in Qatar this season,” a delighted Ferreira told the media after sealing the title. “This win goes to everyone at the club, who have also worked behind the scenes.

“I cannot describe my happiness. I have been with Al Sadd for three and half years and everyone –players, management and the fans – wanted to win the league title badly.”

Ferreira’s journey in Doha began in November 2015, shortly after he led Egyptian giants Zamalek to their first league title in over ten years. During his time with Al Sadd, Ferreira has been able to count on the experience of renowned Spanish duo Xavi, who serves as club captain, and former Atletico Madrid stalwart Gabi, following his arrival last summer.

The triumph means Ferreira, having won three Portuguese titles with Porto between 2007 and 2009, joins an exclusive list of Portuguese coaches to have conquered three different national championships. Artur Jorge became the first man to achieve the feat in 2002, while José Mourinho is the only boss to have won league titles in four different countries. Vítor Pereira’s name was added to the group late last year when he sealed the Chinese CSL with Shanghai SPIG.

Curiously, all four coaches began their treble by winning the Portuguese Primeira Liga with FC Porto, with both Artur Jorge and Mourinho winning the European Cup with the Dragons in 1987 and 2004 respectively.

Portuguese coaches to have won league titles in three countries:

Artur Jorge

Portugal (FC Porto): 1984–85, 1985–86, 1989–90

France (Paris-Saint Germain) 1993-94

Saudi Arabia (Al Hilal) 2004

 

 

 

 

José Mourinho

Portugal (FC Porto): 2002–03, 2003–04

England (Chelsea): 2004-05, 2005-06, 2014-15

Italy (Internazionale) 2008-09, 2009-10

Spain (Real Madrid) 2011-2012

 

 

 

Vítor Pereira:

Portugal (FC Porto) 2010-11, 2011-12

Greece (Olympiakos) 2014-15

China (Shanghai SIPG) 2018

 

 

 

Jesualdo Ferreira:

Portugal (FC Porto) 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09

Egypt (Zamalek) 2014-15

Qatar (Al Sadd) 2018-19

 

 

 

 

By Sean Gillen