Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez spoke of the difficulty of the upcoming QNB Stars League Round 6 game against Al-Gharafa, while expressing his relief at the return of Santi Cazorla after his injury.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Xavi said: “In the next game we will play against Al-Gharafa, a big team and one of the best in the league. This means that getting three points will be really complicated. They are playing well and they are in a high position in the table.”
He added: “I expect a very difficult game because they have a coach who is experienced. They have signed good foreigner players, especially Gabriel Pires and Diabate and so it will be really tough. In defence they are well-organised and they have quality and talent in attack.”
“So it will be really difficult but that’s okay. We got back Santi Cazorla and in my opinion that’s the best news for Al-Sadd. We will see how Khoukhi is and how the other players are after their return from the national team.”
“We are going through a good period. We are excited to play these kinds of games. It is a very difficult game but our target is to get the three points.”
Asked about the absence of international players, the coach said: “We had to adapt during these two weeks because many players were away with the national team, not only the Qataris but also Jung, Bounedjah and Ayew.”
He added: “We have two days for training. We need to adapt to the new weather conditions because we will be playing without the cooling in the stadiums and it is still hot.”
“We will adapt and we will compete. We are ready to win the next game against Al-Gharafa.”
As for the upcoming period, Xavi remarked: “After this game against Al-Gharafa, we have the final of the Amir Cup. But now we need to focus first on the QSL competition. It’s very important to get these three points.”
“We are excited about winning this title again, and we cannot lose any points. This is the target for Al-Sadd and I insist we are in a good period and we’re playing really well. We have many players in the squad and for sure we will do rotation again. Every player will be important during the rest of the season.”
