QNB Stars League side Umm Salal tightened up their defence by roping in Anderson Conceicao Benedito in the winter transfer window this season.
The 29-year-old Brazilian brought with him a wealth of experience having donned the jerseys of a host of clubs during his senior career that spans a decade.
In an Exclusive Interview with QSL Online, Anderson gives his takes on a vast number of topics.
How do you find your stint in Qatar?
My main mission in Qatar is to do a great job at Umm Salal along with my team-mates within this short period of my contract. I really want to help Umm Salal go forward.
How’s the level of competition in the QNB Stars League?
The level of competition in the QNB Stars League is getting stronger. All teams are competitive. Top sides are vying for honours and the bottom-rung ones are fighting to stay in the First Division.
What difference do you feel playing for Umm Salal?
I don’t feel any difference. Instead, I feel so well adapted to the club in such a short time.
Having joined Umm Salal in the January transfer window, how do you expect to contribute to the side?
Yes, I arrived in Doha in the January transfer window with many expectations, mainly to help my team Umm Salal.
Do you believe you can make a turnaround in the team’s fortunes?
Yes, we do have a team with a lot of qualities. I strongly believe that we’ll achieve our goals in the end.
How do you assess Umm Salal’s performance? You’re ninth in the standings with 20 points…
We know that we’ve to achieve victories. We dropped points on too many occasions.
Umm Salal have lost three matches in a row (to lowly teams Al Kharaitiyat and Al Khor, and also to reigning champions Al Duhail in Week 19…
We lost the last three games. We’ve to review our mistakes and work hard to get better results.
Is anything wrong with the team composition?
I don’t believe so. Maybe, we do need a little bit of luck.
Umm Salal have scored only 20 goals from 19 matches. Doesn’t it reflect on the lack of teeth for the team’s attack?
We’re working hard to improve our performance and strength in all positions because we’ve highly-skilled players in our team.
Umm Salal narrowly lost out to Al Gharafa for the fourth position last season. This time, you’re in the bottom half…
The onus is on us, the players, to work hard in order to improve our position in the league.
In which position do you expect Umm Salal to finish in this season’s QNB Stars League?
We’ll work hard in order to end up the season in a good and comfortable position. Umm Salal fans deserve it.
Which team has the chance to become champions this season?
There’re two great clubs (Al Sadd and Al Duhail) fighting for the league title. I wish them good luck.
Who’re the players who’ve caught your attention in Qatar and at the world level?
There’re many players with high level in the QSL. They can play in any league in the world.
What’re your ambitions and future plans?
To wind up the season after doing a good job for Umm Salal and then renew my contract.
Source: qsl.qa