Al Sadd assistant coach David Pratt spoke to the media ahead of their 2019-20 QNB Stars League Week 18 match against Al Khor.

“We are happy with the resumption of QNB Stars League. We are going through a good period because the players are training with full force and motivated to resume the matches. We will start with a difficult confrontation against Al Khor, a team which has strength and is well-organised. In the first leg, we achieved a difficult victory against them. They are strong offensively with players like Thiago Bezerra, Lucca Borges and Ahmed Hammoudan.

“We are required to give off our best level in order to advance in the standings. It was a long break for all, but I think the players are ready and motivated. They put in much efforts during individual training and then in group sessions, showing a good level.

“It is a really difficult period, especially with the departure of Gabi (Fernandez), who spent two years with us and was captain of the team. But we have to adapt to this situation. Our players are displaying a good level because they are preparing well,” said Pratt.

Al Sadd player Tarek Salman said, “All players are ready to achieve victories in order to delight our fans, regardless of the break which has had its negatives and positives. But the positives are more for Al Sadd as a number of players, such as Hassan Al Haydous, Baghdad Bounedjah and myself, recovered from injuries. We are all excited now to be back in action. I hope we live up to expectations and offer our best, and succeed in putting the smile back on the faces of our fans with victories.”