Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez spoke to the media ahead of their 2019-20 QNB Stars League Week 14 match against Al Sailiya.

“Al Sailiya are a strong side led by a coach with great experience in the Qatar league, so facing them will be difficult. They are also one of the teams that provide good matches and good levels, as they did against Iranian team Shahr Khodro, regardless of their loss in penalty shoot-out, in the AFC Champions League play-off.

“We had a difficult time before we won our first-leg game against Al Sailiya by a 3-1 margin. This time too, I expect a tough game against them.

“We are now going through a good stage, but the task is still difficult, especially because the difference between us and Al Duhail is six points. We are waiting for the result of the match between Al Duhail and Al Rayyan in this round.

“There is no other choice than beating Al Sailiya if we have to be in strong contention for the title. We are motivated for the 2020 AFC Champions League as well, but we are focused on the QNB Stars League,” said Xavi.