Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez spoke of his team’s desire to win the next game against Al-Ain, on Matchday 4 of the AFC Champions League group stage.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Xavi said: “We need three points to go to the next stage. We are in a crucial phase now. We played well in the last game but we need to finish off the chances in front of goal, and not make mistakes that lead to conceding goals.”
“We have a huge desire to win. I enjoy this sort of pressure that’s on the team, and the players like it as well.”
As for his team’s attacking style of play, Xavi said: “Yes, my way is to score as many goals as possible, and it’s an attacking way. In the last game, we scored 3 goals but we conceded 3 goals as well, and so we must improve defensively to be successful in attack.”
He further said: “Everyone expects good results from the team. I don’t feel pressure while playing football. We were better than Al-Ain in the last game and we must enjoy the game and create more chances in order to win.”
Asked if he was surprised by Al-Ain’s performance, the Al-Sadd coach remarked: “It was not a surprise. We knew the strength of Al-Ain’s attacking trio of Islamkhan, Wilson Eduardo and Kodjo Laba. But we also have excellent players. Everyone enjoyed the last game and we are now excited to play them again, and get the three points.”
