Doha: Wagner can see the demands of a grueling season take their toll on Eljaish.
Fatigue is setting in on Razvan Lucescu’s team. Injuries are mounting up, suspensions are restricting options as Eljaish continue to compete in three different competitions before the end of the season.
On Wednesday night Lucescu’s side survived a test by Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab in the AFC Champions League to qualify for the next stage of the tournament.
After that comes the big one. The semi-final of the Heir Apparent Cup with Lekhwiya.
Wagner said: “Jaish always want 100 percent from us. We push ourselves to the limit in every game and this is good.
“We are really looking forward to the Heir Apparent Cup. We are focused for this tournament.
“They feel special these tournaments, for sure. Every player wants to play in these tournaments.
“I have been here a long time now and I know it is a time of the season that the players really look forward to.”
So how will Jaish cope as the games come thick and fast as the season reaches a climax? The Brazilian star does not believe that will be a problem.
“There have been a lot of games to play recently,” he continued. “We seem to be playing every three days or so I think some players feel like they need rest.
“We have missed a lot of players in the last few games but this is football and you must accept it.
“When you play with a team like Jaish they want to win everything. You can’t pick and choose what you want to play in.
“We have already won the QNB Cup; we play in the Champions League, the Heir Apparent Cup and the Emir Cup. When some teams are resting we are playing.
“Our results have improved from last season I think. We are playing in more competitions and pushing all the time. I think we have real potential to be a really big club in Qatar. In the future I think it will be this way.”
After five years in Qatar, Wagner has no intention to leave. He can see Eljaish grow bigger as they look to build on the success of the last two years – and he wants to continue being part of the journey.
He added: “Hopefully I can stay with the team as we try to reach the top. The future is good for us and I want to be part of that.
“I like Qatar. I have been here for nearly five years which is a long time.
“Doha opened the door to football for me and I am very, very happy for that.
“This is a good time to be in Qatar because so much is happening with football. It is a good place to be.” The Peninsula
