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Ayeni Olusegun
Doha
Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez has hailed his team’s performance ahead of their QNB Stars League match against Qatar Sports Club at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday.
The Spaniard who returned to the team recently after completing his quarantine procedure following a positive test for COVID-19 has seen his side pull within just five points of leaders Al Duhail with just two matches left in the QSL.
The reigning champions beat Al Duhail by a lone goal last weekend to put a dent on the leaders’ championship hopes.
“I’m pleased to beat Al Duhail. I think, in the last six games against them, we won four; we drew one and lost just once. It means we can beat all the teams in this country. It is a big win. It’s big also for the future; we may play them in the Champions League next season. So I’m delighted. It’s not a normal win, it’s a huge win,” Xavi said.
However, against Qatar SC, a win for The Wolves would move them within two points of Al Duhail and just one behind second-placed Al Rayyan. But Xavi, whose side lost earlier this season 3-0 to QSC, said his team needs to be at their best to secure the maximum points.
“It will be a tough game, because we lost 3-0 in the first game against them. It’s a crucial game for us because we want to put pressure on Al Rayyan and Al Duhail and we need these three points. It will be challenging as Qatar SC can go down to the second division, I’m sure they will be aggressive. They are a very well organised team with Wesam as a coach.
“They are tough, and we know their capability. But of course, there is always a chance for revenge in football, and we want to take revenge. We want to beat Qatar and show our level. We are in a good period, and we are confident after our last three games.”
Meanwhile, Qatar SC goalkeeper coach Wesner said his team’s target is staying in the league, but admitted that The Kings face a tough task against Al Sadd.
“It will be a challenging game for us. Al Sadd have the momentum after beating Al Duhail last weekend. They will make our lives hard; they have great players and recently added Tabata. Haydos is back from injury, and they are one of the best teams in Qatar. We have to prepare well for this challenge.
“When you play with the top four teams, your concentration is a little higher. We have to analyse all the scenarios but we know it will be a tough game. We have to play a perfect 90 minutes against Al Sadd, Al Duhail, or Al Rayyan. This kind of game you cannot make mistakes, or you won’t collect any point,” Wesner said.
On Thursday, both Al Sailiya and Al Arabi will hope to snap their miserable run of form when they lock horns at the Al Janoub Stadium, both teams are yet to pick up maximum points since the restart. On the hand, Al Ahli have a five-game winless run to end when they face Al Wakrah, who have been inconsistent all season.Today’s Matches
Al Sailiya vs Al Arabi (at Al Janoub Stadium) 4pm
Al Ahli vs Al Wakrah (at Al Janoub Stadium) 7.30pm
Qatar SC vs Al Sadd (at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium) 7.30pm
Doha
Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez has hailed his team’s performance ahead of their QNB Stars League match against Qatar Sports Club at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday.
The Spaniard who returned to the team recently after completing his quarantine procedure following a positive test for COVID-19 has seen his side pull within just five points of leaders Al Duhail with just two matches left in the QSL.
The reigning champions beat Al Duhail by a lone goal last weekend to put a dent on the leaders’ championship hopes.
“I’m pleased to beat Al Duhail. I think, in the last six games against them, we won four; we drew one and lost just once. It means we can beat all the teams in this country. It is a big win. It’s big also for the future; we may play them in the Champions League next season. So I’m delighted. It’s not a normal win, it’s a huge win,” Xavi said.
However, against Qatar SC, a win for The Wolves would move them within two points of Al Duhail and just one behind second-placed Al Rayyan. But Xavi, whose side lost earlier this season 3-0 to QSC, said his team needs to be at their best to secure the maximum points.
“It will be a tough game, because we lost 3-0 in the first game against them. It’s a crucial game for us because we want to put pressure on Al Rayyan and Al Duhail and we need these three points. It will be challenging as Qatar SC can go down to the second division, I’m sure they will be aggressive. They are a very well organised team with Wesam as a coach.
“They are tough, and we know their capability. But of course, there is always a chance for revenge in football, and we want to take revenge. We want to beat Qatar and show our level. We are in a good period, and we are confident after our last three games.”
Meanwhile, Qatar SC goalkeeper coach Wesner said his team’s target is staying in the league, but admitted that The Kings face a tough task against Al Sadd.
“It will be a challenging game for us. Al Sadd have the momentum after beating Al Duhail last weekend. They will make our lives hard; they have great players and recently added Tabata. Haydos is back from injury, and they are one of the best teams in Qatar. We have to prepare well for this challenge.
“When you play with the top four teams, your concentration is a little higher. We have to analyse all the scenarios but we know it will be a tough game. We have to play a perfect 90 minutes against Al Sadd, Al Duhail, or Al Rayyan. This kind of game you cannot make mistakes, or you won’t collect any point,” Wesner said.
On Thursday, both Al Sailiya and Al Arabi will hope to snap their miserable run of form when they lock horns at the Al Janoub Stadium, both teams are yet to pick up maximum points since the restart. On the hand, Al Ahli have a five-game winless run to end when they face Al Wakrah, who have been inconsistent all season.Today’s Matches
Al Sailiya vs Al Arabi (at Al Janoub Stadium) 4pm
Al Ahli vs Al Wakrah (at Al Janoub Stadium) 7.30pm
Qatar SC vs Al Sadd (at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium) 7.30pm
