Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 6 match against Al Gharafa.

“In the next match, we will play against Al Gharafa. They are a big team and one of the best sides in the league. This means that getting three points will be really tough. They play well and occupy top position in the standings. I expect a very difficult match.

“They have signed good foreign players, especially Gabriel Perez and (Cheick) Diabete, so it will be really difficult. We will welcome Santi Cazorla. In my opinion, this is the best news for Al Sadd. We will keep an eye on Boualem Khoukhi and the rest of the Al Sadd players after their return from the national team. We are going through a good period and we are excited to play such matches. It is a very difficult match, but our goal is to get the three points.

“We had to adapt during these two weeks because many of our club players were with the national teams - not only the Qataris but also the youngsters, (Baghdad) Bounedjah and Andre Ayew. We have two days of training and we need to adapt to the new atmosphere,” said Xavi.

Al Sadd player Guilherme Torres said, “Al Gharafa match will be very difficult, like the coach said. We have been training hard. We expect some of our teammates will join and help us. We are focused and thinking about getting the three points against Al Gharafa.

“We know we are facing a great team with a good coach. We have to think about getting the three points because we are in first place and they will work hard against us.”