Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez spoke of the importance of continuity, and the need to have a strong start to the second phase of the QNB Stars League. The Wolves are set to begin the second phase with the Round 12 game against Al-Kharaitiyat on Saturday.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Xavi said: “The next game is against Al-Kharaitiyat, and we’re starting the second lap (of the season). We did a good job in the first lap and we have to continue like that.”
“In the last game, we couldn’t win and it was a pity because we were much better than Qatar SC. We have to forget that and start well like how we started the season.”
He added: “We play against the team last in the table but they are a good team. I respect the coach Yousuf Adam a lot; he has had a good performance and I think he is a very good coach.”
“He’s doing a great job in the country and I think they deserve more points. They don’t deserve to be in the last position.”
Touching on the difficulty of the game, Xavi stated: “It will be difficult because all the clubs are really motivated against Al Sadd. So we have to take care. If we relax, we may lose points and it will be really difficult.”
“We have to respect Al Kharaitiyat, they have a good team and good players, and it will be tough to get the three points.”
As for the 1-1 draw with Qatar SC in the previous round, the coach remarked: “It was a big game; I think they worked really well in defence and we worked really well in attack.”
“It was a pity – the goal that we conceded – because it was a big mistake from our part but it’s part of football. And then we scored from the penalty and we could have scored more goals, but this is football.”
“In my opinion, we were better than Qatar SC but they did a really great job. They won their last five games in a row, so it was really tough to win against them. They have a good coach and good players, especially foreigner players.”
He added: “It will be tough to win this competition but we are in a good position.”
Xavi also reiterated his team’s desire to win the league title, saying: “Our target, as I have said many times, is to win this competition because we couldn’t win this title the last season.”
“It’s our dream to continue like this, playing well and I feel that if we continue playing like that, we are the favourites to win this competition.”
He also pointed out that there was no room to relax. “But we cannot relax and we cannot lose any more points,” he added.
“We have a bigger squad now and although we 5-6 players are unavailable, there is no excuse. We have to win this competition.”
Asked about the support from the fans, Xavi said: “We need the supporters. Now, we are in a good period and I think everyone is enjoying with the team.”
“We’re thankful to the fans for their support in the Amir Cup final and in the recent games. We need them and we have to be together in order to win more competitions.”
