Xavi: We played a great game today, everything was perfect

Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez expressed his happiness after his side’s big 4-0 win over Al-Ain on Matchday 4 of the AFC Champions League group stage.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Xavi said: “We are very happy with this win. We played a great game. It was a big performance from us. Everything was perfect – attack, defence, set-pieces. We also had luck as they had some chances, but this is football.”

“Everyone did a good job today; they were focused on our organisation and game model.”

He added: “We created more chances compared to the last game, and we were more effective.”

Asked about the importance of this result, Xavi said: “We are in a good position in the group now. This is an important win, but we need to keep going. I’m very happy, especially for the players, we now need to recover well and focus on the next game.”

“Our first goal is to qualify for the next round. If we play like we did today, we can qualify.”

As for Rodrigo Tabata’s goal, the coach said: “I’m the happiest person for Tabata. Yesterday, I told the players that he’s an example for them. He’s almost 40, but it’s not an accident that he scored. He is special, he has a big heart and everybody loves him. He is a big, big example for all of us, the players and the technical staff.”