Al Sadd's players in action during a practice session.
Doha: Coach Xavi Hernandez yesterday noted that Al Sadd will eye full points against relegation-threatened Umm Salal but will try to stay focused in the round-15 match of the QNB Stars League (QSL).
“We need points from this match. We know that Umm Salal are one of the teams looking to escape relegation, so the match will not be easy. They changed coach, I am praising this coach for the work he is doing with his team, especially on the defensive front," Xavi said yesterday during a pre-match press conference ahead of today's match which will be played a the Al Gharafa Stadium.
On Tuesday, Al Sadd secured their first win of the 2020 AFC Champions League, defeating Iranian side Sepahan 3-0 at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif opened the scoring the 51st minute, before a Hassan Al Haydos' double (72, 78) secured the result for the Wolves.
“We need points to compete for the top position. We have to focus now on the match and forget the AFC Champions League. We have to play against Umm Salal with high focus," the Barca legend stated.
“Players getting injured are part of football. I remember when I was a Barcelona player, in three weeks, four very important players got injured. These are not excuses.
“We have young players who are able to make up for the absence of seniors. We want to achieve our targets this season,” Xavi said.
His counterpart in today's match, Aziz Ben Askar said his team is aware of the magnitude of the threat which they will face.
“Everyone knows that Al Sadd are one of the best teams in the league. All teams play against them with high concentration," Askar said.
"I am happy that I am up against a coach like Xavi (Hernandez). I am also happy about the opportunity that I got to guide Umm Salal in the QNB Stars League," he said.
“Regarding the match, it will be difficult. Al Sadd have many stars. We worked daily for this match and we have to give our best.
“I have told my players that if we do not play as an organised side and show character, we will not come out with a positive result. We want to provide the best performance,” Asker said.
