Xavi: We cannot relax, we hope to continue unbeaten at the top

Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez confirmed his players’ readiness for the upcoming game against Al-Ahli in Round 8 of the QNB Stars League, which is to be played on Saturday evening at Thani bin Jassim Stadium.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Xavi said: “It’s a very important game, and Al-Ahli will be a strong opponent for us, because they need to collect more points. They’re a a good team that deserves a better place in the table.”

He added: “We cannot relax. We made some mistakes in the previous matches. Three points against Al-Ahli will be very important before we face Al Duhail in Round 9.”

Xavi continued: “All the upcoming matches are strong and difficult. We hope to continue unbeaten at the top of the table. All the matches are difficult, as everyone gives their best against us. We will make sure that all our players are ready to play the match.”

Regarding the team’s readiness, he said: “We are going through a good period after the victory over Umm Salal, and we cannot relax because Al-Ahli is a good team with great players, and therefore it will be very difficult to face them. But we are Al-Sadd and we always aim to win.”

As for the rumours in the media about his departure from the team, the Al-Sadd coach said: “I am currently focused on my work with Al Sadd, and I cannot talk about anything else.”