Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez and player Mohammed Waad spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 3 match against Al Rayyan, dubbed the Qatar Clasico.

“It will be strong and difficult match for both teams. Our next match is a Qatar Clasico, which is very important. In the last match between the two sides, we won. But in the next match, the chances are equal for both sides as is the case with Qatar Clasico matches.

“Al Rayyan team is physically strong and is almost the same as the team last season. Hashem Ali was added to their ranks and they have a great coach and we respect them a lot.

“Our task is very difficult because we play with Al Rayyan while we have many absences. We know that we are the favourites to win and we must show that on the field. We will try to do our best, of course, and win the three points,” said Xavi.

Al Sadd player Mohammed Waad said, “We are ready for this match. We always have a difficult match against Al Rayyan that requires a great effort from all the players. Of course, we have to win this particular match.

“We are living in good times so far. We have achieved two consecutive victories over Al Sailiya and Qatar SC, and we will strive with all our might to continue the path of victories to stay at the top of the points table. We have to maintain this desire until the end of the season.”