Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez spoke to the media ahead of their 2020-21 season QNB Stars League Week 17 match against Al Arabi.

“It will be a difficult match. Everyone will remember that Al Sadd suffered in the 2019-20 season Amir Cup final because Al Arabi defended well. Plus, they have not conceded many goals of late. They have improved a lot with the presence of very good players in the defence, such as Marc Muniesa and Ayoub Azzi. And then, they have new players, like Yousef Mskani, who has added value to the squad and all that will make it difficult for us.

“We are having good times and, God-willing, we can win the league in the next match if Al Duhail lose against Al Gharafa. Even otherwise, if we win the next two matches, we will be the champions. Our focus is now on the Al Arabi match and, as I said, it will be difficult because the opponents have not suffered any defeat in the last seven rounds. We are playing at our stadium and we want to create opportunities and play well. Now let us see the players’ condition to determine the squad to play, maybe we will do the rotation because some players participated in a lot of matches in a short period of time.

“I am sad for Al Arab coach (Heimir Hallgrimsson), who is suffering from Coronavirus. I had also contracted the virus in the summer. This is life and I wish him a speedy recovery. I will miss him and I wish him all success because I respect him as a coach and as a human being,” said Xavi.

Al Sadd player Nam Tae-Hee said, “We are close to winning the title and we want to win this match. We will work hard and prepare well for it.

“It is amazing that nearly 10 years have passed since I came to Qatar and this is the first time that I may be winning all titles in one season, thanks to the great collective work that everyone does every day, especially the administrative and technical staff.

“Of course, we are happy, but we must remind ourselves that we have not won anything so far and therefore we will continue to work. God-willing, we will win more titles next season.”