Category: FOOTBALL

Xavi: We are excited for the start of the tournament, the new format is different and difficult

Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez expressed his confidence in his team, ahead of the upcoming Group D clash against Al-Ain on Matchday 3 of the AFC Champions League 2020.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Xavi said: “We are very excited to start. Al Sadd is at the top of the group. We have a lot of youngsters and experienced players as well. We are training well and we will forward to a strong start, in a competition that will be difficult for everyone.” ... 

AFC Champions League: Al-Sadd hold main training session ahead of Al-Ain clash on Matchday 3

The Al-Sadd first team squad held their main training session from 6:30 PM onwards on Sunday, as part of the preparations for the upcoming Group D clash against Al-Ain, on Matchday 3 of the 2020 AFC Champions League.

The Wolves go into Tuesday’s game occupying first place in the group with 4 points from two matches, after a draw with Saudi side Al-Nassr and a 3-0 win over Sepahan of Iran. Meanwhile, UAE’s Al-Ain have not got a point so far in Group C after losing their opening two games to Sepahan and Al-Nassr. A win for Al-Sadd in this game will take the team closer to the next round. ... 

Abdullah Al-Breik: Al-Ain game will be tough, our aim is to go as far as possible in this tournament

Al-Sadd first team manager Abdullah Al-Breik remarked that his side’s upcoming clash against Al Ain in the Group D of the 2020 AFC Champions League will not be easy, adding that the Wolves must double their effort and focus, if they are to achieve the desired results.

Al-Breik said: “For us, this match is very important, and the players realize this, especially as it could be crucial in determining our place in the second round, and therefore we should fight from the beginning to the end of the match.” ... 

Ooredoo Cup final to be played on October 10

The Qatar Stars League (QSL) has announced the date of the 2019-20 Ooredoo Cup final between Al-Sadd and Al-Arabi. The match is set to be played on October 10 at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

The decision was taken with the consent of both teams, and after consulting the coaches, while considering Al-Sadd’s participation in the AFC Champions League. ... 

First team gets a break from training on Wednesday

The Al-Sadd first team players got a break from training today, Wednesday, following the big 5-1 win over Al Sailiya in Round 2 of the QNB Stars League.

With this victory, Al-Sadd remain on top of the league table with 6 points from 2 wins.

The coaching staff led by head coach Xavi Hernandez had the players undergo recovery training on Tuesday evening, before deciding on a day of rest on Wednesday, to get rid of fatigue. ... 

Al-Sadd announce AFC Champions League squad

Al-Sadd have announced the squad list for the 2020 AFC Champions League, which resumes with the remaining group stage matches, and then goes on until the semi-finals of the tournament, with all games being held in Doha. The matches begin on September 14.

Head coach Xavi Hernandez announced a 31-member squad which is as follows: Saad Al-Dossari, Pedro Miguel, Abdelkarim Hassan, Ahmed Bader Sayyar, Tarek Salman, Muhammad Waad, Ali Asad, Hassan Al-Haydos, Baghdad Bounedjah, Bahaa El-Leithy, Khoukhi Boualem, Rodrigo Tabata, Santi Cazorla, Nam Tae-hee Salem Al-Hajri, Meshaal Barshim, Hashim Ali, Jehad Muhammad, Ahmed Suhail, Akram Afif, Talal Ibrahim, Abdullah Ismail, Talal Behzad, Youssef Abdullah Al-Balushi, Faisal Azadi, Saoud Al-Nasr, Hussam Kamal, Musaab Khidir, Hassan Ahmed, Yousuf Abdurisag, Guilherme Torres. ... 

Hassan Al-Haydos: I thank Al-Sadd for the confidence in me

Al-Sadd SC is pleased to announce that captain Hassan Al-Haydos has extended his stay at the club for the next five years.

The club management signed a new agreement with the player, keeping him with the Wolves until 2025. Al-Haydos is one of the most prominent Qatari players to have worn the white shirt, and this new five-year contract is a recognition of the great value he has as an essential element of Al-Sadd, and the Qatar national team. ... 

Mohammed Waad: Our performance was excellent, we aim to win every game to make our fans happy

Al-Sadd player Mohammed Waad spoke of his delight after the big 5-1 win over Al-Sailiya on Monday evening.

Waad said: “We are happy with this victory and we hope to continue with these big wins, in order to make our fans happy.”

As for his performance in the game, having earned a spot in the starting lineup, the youngster said: “The team plays as a group and my performance today is the result of the help I got from my teammates during the match.” ...