Al Sadd coach Juan Manuel Lillo ‘Juanma’ spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 4 match against Al Gharafa.

“All the teams we play against are difficult, Al Gharafa included, who have some great players. Our recent victory over Al Ahli has given us a great motivation and also more confidence, especially to our young players. Winning the next match will definitely help us move forward.

“We controlled the ball in all matches we played but we could not achieve anything because we did not have complete control. Had we done so, we could have won all three matches,” said Juanma.

Al Sadd player Baghdad Bounedjah said, “Al Gharafa and Al Sadd matches are always close and hard fought. We are ready to provide our best, seize the ball and make the most of the opportunities that will be available to us in order to reap the three points.

“The team's situation is not the same as last season, in the absence of international players. We participate with ambitious and distinguished young players and so far we have played three matches. We did not succeed in the first match. In the second, we came out with a draw and lost many chances against Umm Salal. Against Al Ahli, our focus was higher and we managed to win.”