Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez has stressed on the importance of his side’s upcoming game against Al-Ahli in Round 16 of the QNB Stars League.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Xavi said: “Our next game is against Al-Ahli and you know we won the first game 7-1, but this is not their reality.”
“They are competing really well, they have a good team and a good coach, and they are having a very good season. I think they are not in the best moment now, because they started very well and then lost some games.”
He added: “Still, they have a good team and good players, and they have a strong character, especially the coach, who is doing very well. So, we cannot relax. We have to continue; we still haven’t won anything in the league yet.”
“Of course, we have a big advantage, but we have to maintain it and win the title as soon as we can.”
Asked about returning to action after a two-week break, Xavi said: “I think it’s better for us to compete and we are excited to do that again.”
“We were missing the competition, after two weeks without games. We are restarting and we are excited to continue like we did until now. We are in a good moment, I have to insist, but we cannot relax. We want three points.
The coach also said: “We are enjoying in training and in the games, and we have to keep this level. It’s a matter of focus and mentality. We have to continue with this passion, with this ambition.”
“We are favourites to win against everybody now, but we cannot relax. We still need to win many matches.”
Xavi also pointed out that Al-Sadd’s title dreams rested in their own hands and that they couldn’t afford to lose focus at this stage.
He said: “Now, everything depends on us. If we win three games in a row, we will win the title. It’s the most important title, in my opinion, because it means that we have had a really great season.”
“Now it depends on Al-Sadd to win this title. If we win nine points, for sure we will complete the challenge. I am happy for the players because I think they deserve this. We worked really hard all season and now, it’s the most important part of the season.”
“We will play in the Qatar Cup also, but now we have to focus on the league and win this title.”
