Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 5 match against Al Arabi.

“The next match against Al Arabi will be difficult. If we look at one of our last matches against Al Arabi, winning against them in the Amir Cup final was very difficult. In the second leg of the league last year, we fought back for a 3-2 win after Santi Cazorla scored in the last minute.

“Al Arabi are a difficult team. We know their coach Younes Ali well, who is doing a good job. They have nine points and they have started the season very well. They have a good team and that is a fact. They also have great foreign players who are good in attack and defence. Their balance is good. We are talking about an excellent team, so I expect a very difficult match.

“We are very excited to be playing this match. Al Arabi will have extra motivation against us as usual, but I know we are the favorites to win, but we have to show our best level on the pitch.

“We are doing fine (after four wins) and I am happy with the form of the players. We have to continue like this. Of course, we need to improve in some aspects because we conceded goals because of our individual mistakes, but the rest of the things are fine. We’re creating a lot of chances and we’re playing very well. We need to keep going.

“We have welcomed back Saad Al Dossari. Abdelkarim Hassan may return during the Al Arabi match as well as Santi Cazorla. We have to look at his condition during the match,” said Xavi.

Al Sadd player Rodrigo Tabata said, “It is an important match coming up against Al Arabi. It is a very big match and there will be a great atmosphere at the venue. We respect Al Arabi. They have a good side. The new season has started very well for us. We are also in the lead in the points race and we will try our best to win the match.

“God Willing, all the players will be at their best. We missed some of them, but our group is very strong and the whole team is ready. The players are in great shape and everyone is working hard. We are improving from one game to another. I hope we will play better in the next game and get the three points.”