Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez spoke to the media ahead of their 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League Week 9 match (Qatar Clasico) against Al Rayyan.

“The entire Al Sadd family is very happy for Akram, he deserves this award. He had a great season, helped the team a lot and the team also helped him get this honour. We are all very happy with that.

“We hope that there will be more achievements in the coming years because he is capable of achieving them, he can win more because he is playing well this season as well and we wish him all the best in the future.

“Regarding the Qatar Clasico, playing against Al Rayyan is always different, but as usual we have to focus on getting the three points. It is our last match in the league before the international break and it is important that we try to get a good result.

“We know that there are many matches, but I think the players are now at a good level, we are getting good results and this gives us the motivation to continue.

“The Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan match is special. There will be many fans, for us we need to play this match as we play every other match,” said Sanchez.

Al Sadd player Mohammed Waad said, “We congratulate him (Akram) on winning the award and he deserves it for what he has provided to the team and the national team during the past season.

“It will be difficult for both teams, our goal is to collect the three points and continue the victories. Al Sadd fans are our biggest strength and we are waiting for them at the Qatar Clasico match.”