Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez spoke to the media ahead of their 2019-20 QNB Stars League Week 20 match against Al Duhail.

“Al Duhail will definitely be the most difficult in the league, especially as we face the leaders in standings, but as usual we are ready for the challenge and are going through a good period. Al Sadd are the only team that won the two matches after the tournament resumed.

“The injury keeps Akram Afif away from the team and we miss him a lot because he is a very important player for us. But we have hope and we will compete until the last moment and we still have the chances of competing for the title even if the task is difficult.

“We, at Al Sadd, are always ready and have a winning mentality, we know that we are facing the leaders and the game will be difficult, but we will do our best to get the three points.

“We will seek to control the course of this match and we want to possess the ball and fight in offence and defence, but we also have to be wary of Al Duhail, who have outstanding players.

“Of course, we will miss Akram and hope that he will return quickly. He is one of the best players in Asia and, in my opinion, he is the best in Qatar, but we will continue to work and we have a large group of distinguished players,” said Xavi.

Al Sadd player Bahaa Al Laithi said, “A difficult and strong match awaits us, and Al Sadd need these three points. Our hope is not over for the title and everything is possible in football.

“I am happy with Xavi’s confidence and I thank him for my participation in the last two matches. He is always a main support and motivation for young players as a coach and also when he was a player, and we always strive to help the team with full strength.”