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Ayeni Olusegun
Doha
Getting back to winning ways will be the target of
Al Sadd when they host Iranian side Sepahan in their Group D AFC Champions League match at the Al Sadd Stadium on Tuesday.
Al Sadd, back-to-back semi-finalists in the last two editions, drew their opening match 2-2 away against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr while Sepahan thumped UAE’s Al Ain 4-0 to go top of the group.
For Xavi Hernandez, who led the team to the semi-final last year where they lost to eventual champions Al Hilal, the Wolves have their sights set on the title.
“To reach two straight semi-finals, of course we want to go on and win the title. We are in a difficult group now and we have to take it match after match,” Xavi who has already won two trophies in his short stint as coach said.
But for now, the 2011 champions face a tough Sepahan side who are third in the Iranian league.
“It will be a tough match, it’s the Champions League. Iranian teams are strong ad very physical. They are difficult to beat because they play with heart and intensity, especially in their home stadium. Sepahan will be a big challenge and I’m sure we will pose the same threat for them,” added the Spaniard.
“They are a very good side, they beat Al Ain last week which says a lot about them. Our last match was tough against Al Nassr, it will be great to get three points in the next, but our opponents are good, so we have to be ready because it will be a
difficult task.”
Sepahan are the most successful Iranian side in the AFC Champions League, having appeared in the competition 11 times, reaching the final in 2007 – becoming the first Iranian side to achieve this feat.
For the Asian Yellow Storm coach and former Al Sadd player Amir Ghalenoei, despite Al Sadd’s strength, there are loopholes his team can exploit.
The former midfielder played for Al Sadd from 1987 to 89, winning the league title and the Amir Cup during his time.
“It’s a pleasure to back here again and for Al Sadd. It should be a beautiful match, especially with the pedigree of both teams.
“I know Al Sadd are a strong team on the attack but if we can’t stop them from playing well up front, they will hurt us. They have some weaknesses also and we hope to use that to ur advantage,” Ghalenoei said on Monday.
The 56-year-old, who took charge of the Isfahan-based club in 2018, added, “I’m an offensive coach and I believe the best defence is to attack.”
On the changes in Qatar since his time as a player, Ghalenoei said, “The country has improved. They won the Asian Cup last year and they will host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. A lot has changed and for me, it’s like a dream.”
Doha
Getting back to winning ways will be the target of
Al Sadd when they host Iranian side Sepahan in their Group D AFC Champions League match at the Al Sadd Stadium on Tuesday.
Al Sadd, back-to-back semi-finalists in the last two editions, drew their opening match 2-2 away against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr while Sepahan thumped UAE’s Al Ain 4-0 to go top of the group.
For Xavi Hernandez, who led the team to the semi-final last year where they lost to eventual champions Al Hilal, the Wolves have their sights set on the title.
“To reach two straight semi-finals, of course we want to go on and win the title. We are in a difficult group now and we have to take it match after match,” Xavi who has already won two trophies in his short stint as coach said.
But for now, the 2011 champions face a tough Sepahan side who are third in the Iranian league.
“It will be a tough match, it’s the Champions League. Iranian teams are strong ad very physical. They are difficult to beat because they play with heart and intensity, especially in their home stadium. Sepahan will be a big challenge and I’m sure we will pose the same threat for them,” added the Spaniard.
“They are a very good side, they beat Al Ain last week which says a lot about them. Our last match was tough against Al Nassr, it will be great to get three points in the next, but our opponents are good, so we have to be ready because it will be a
difficult task.”
Sepahan are the most successful Iranian side in the AFC Champions League, having appeared in the competition 11 times, reaching the final in 2007 – becoming the first Iranian side to achieve this feat.
For the Asian Yellow Storm coach and former Al Sadd player Amir Ghalenoei, despite Al Sadd’s strength, there are loopholes his team can exploit.
The former midfielder played for Al Sadd from 1987 to 89, winning the league title and the Amir Cup during his time.
“It’s a pleasure to back here again and for Al Sadd. It should be a beautiful match, especially with the pedigree of both teams.
“I know Al Sadd are a strong team on the attack but if we can’t stop them from playing well up front, they will hurt us. They have some weaknesses also and we hope to use that to ur advantage,” Ghalenoei said on Monday.
The 56-year-old, who took charge of the Isfahan-based club in 2018, added, “I’m an offensive coach and I believe the best defence is to attack.”
On the changes in Qatar since his time as a player, Ghalenoei said, “The country has improved. They won the Asian Cup last year and they will host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. A lot has changed and for me, it’s like a dream.”
