Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc and player Abdulaziz Hatem spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 3 match against Al Sadd, dubbed the Qatar Clasico.

“It will be a very difficult meeting given that Al Sadd are the best team in the QNB Stars League. We work every day in training and we have had good preparations for this match. The players know Al Sadd’s capabilities and we have great motivation to do well because we did not beat Al Sadd in any match last year.

“I hope it will be a good match because a large number of good players will be on the field from both sides. We are very interested to win this match as we know that it will be a good preparation for the Amir Cup final.

“Al Rayyan did not play well in the first two matches. Against Umm Salal, my team was very bad in the first half. In the second half, the team was better though we played 10 players vs 11 players. Against Al Wakrah, we played well during the second half. We scored a goal late in the match and, in my opinion, had we scored earlier, the team could have won the match.

“I think that in both games, Al Rayyan were looking to win and not lose. That is not enough of course, but we missed two or three important players. We did not give hundred per cent, but we have to have the hunger to win. The team must give everything it has in the Al Sadd match in order to win,” said Blanc.

Chances are equal for Al Rayyan and Al Sadd: Abdulaziz Hatem

Al Rayyan player Abdulaziz Hatem said, “The chances are equal for Al Rayyan and Al Sadd. The two teams are great. Al Sadd won the league last year and had a great season. There are lots of expectations from our fans as we are a big team, the same as Al Sadd, and we will play for our pride. Everyone is excited about the match-up. I am sure it will be fun for the fans, but I hope we win the three points.”
“Some say that Al Sadd’s chances are greater, but for me the chances are equal. We are a great team and we have players who have great value and are distinguished, and I think we can beat Al Sadd.

“In big matches, midfield plays a big role. Al Sadd have a strong midfield and they control the ball in the middle. But we too have a strong midfield and the coach has many solutions. I think Al Rayyan’s is one of the strongest midfields in the league and there will be tough competition. Whoever dominates it will win the match.”