Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez spoke to the media ahead of their 2020-21 season QNB Stars League Week 11 match against Qatar SC.

“We are facing a team that appears at their best level in the league so far because they have won five consecutive matches with their new player Youcef Belaili, who made the difference and also with the presence of good overseas recruits such as Elmehdi Barrahma, Ali Karimi and (Anthony) Okpotu.

“Qatar SC players will have confidence and so are we, and I think it is possible to expect a match of top quality because they have a good level and performance, and the same holds true for Al Sadd.

“From my point of view, Qatar SC have a good coach in Younis Ali, who does a big job. He also made a good effort with Al Markhiya last season. He is a capable coach and was a good player as well, and he has a lot of experience, so getting these three points means a lot to us.

“We are now in first place and are doing well, and we are very happy, but things do not end here. We have to continue this way and now we are facing Qatar SC, one of the best teams in the tournament so far. We did not win anything and we have to continue at the same level. We must forget that and focus now on this game against Qatar SC. We are ready for it,” said Xavi.

Al Sadd player Pedro Miguel said, “Everyone at the Al Sadd club realises that it will be a difficult match, therefore it is important to enter the field with 100 per cent concentration to get the three points.

“Everyone is also aware that Qatar SC won their last five games. At the same time, we are also in good shape and won our last six games, so it will be a difficult game. We must play as we played in the past games to get the three points and continue to compete for the league title.”