Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez emphasized the importance of the upcoming match against Al Shorta of Iraq, which will kick off the group stage of the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League Elite.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Sanchez said: “I welcome everyone. I’m happy to be in Baghdad, and I hope the match is enjoyable for the fans.”
The Spanish coach added: “This is our first match in the opening of the AFC Champions League. We aim to deliver our best. We understand the importance of this competition in its new format and gained valuable experience from last season. What matters now is that our players are in top condition after the recent match against Al Shahania in the league.”
Regarding the local league and the loss to Al Shahania, he said: “We have lost two league matches so far, but the season is long, and we are capable of bouncing back thanks to the quality of our players.”
He continued: “Losses are part of football, and we always focus on the next match, which represents a new beginning for us.”
On Roberto Firmino’s absence against Al Shahania, Sanchez explained: “Firmino was injured and didn’t play in that match. Player participation is always a coach’s decision, and all players are eager to play in the AFC Champions League.”
Sanchez concluded: “The Champions League is an important competition where every team aims to perform at its best. We are capable of delivering a strong performance and returning to Doha with a positive result.”
Al Sadd player Tarek Salman added: “We face a tough and challenging match. It’s our first in the competition this season, and we will give our best to achieve the best outcome.”
He continued: “The upcoming match against Al Shorta is different from the 2023 Arab Club Championship match, where we lost by a wide margin. This is a strong match, and we aim to perform positively and secure the win.”
Salman also noted that the loss to Al Shahania in the league was just a setback and that the team is ready to get back on track and start the AFC Champions League in the best possible way.
