Al Sadd coach Juan Manuel Lillo ‘Juanma’ spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 6 match against Al Shamal.

“Every opponent has a speciality that makes the match difficult. Al Shamal are an organized side and that makes it difficult for everyone, so we must continue to provide our best to win.

“Winning is always a good thing, but when it is done in circumstances such as the one we were in after the Al Gharafa match, we tend to celebrate more.

“I am completely satisfied with the improvement in our performance more than the results we obtained (seven points). I think that with the performance of the players we should get more points.

“The players are developing from one game to another and the next match against Al Shamal will require great work and more efforts to win,” said Juanma.

Al Sadd player Hashem Ali said, “The match is very important for us and we are preparing for it with full focus. After winning the last game, we have seven points and we need three points in the next game also to improve our position in the table. So, as I mentioned, the next match is very important for us.

“I was off the field after suffering an ankle injury for three months, but I was able to come back now, thank God. I played 90 minutes in the last match and I am ready to take part in any competition to help the team and also to boost my self-confidence in order to provide the best.”