Xavi: Al-Shahaniya is an excellent team

Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez praised Al-Shahaniya as an “excellent team” ahead of the QNB Stars League clash between the two sides on Saturday.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Xavi said: “It will be a very tough match against an exellent team. We are playing for the win and the three points. I am happy with our performance and the team is improving from game to game.”

He added: “The competition in the league is tough. Only Al-Sadd and Al-Gharafa can still have six points at the end of the week.”

Asked about Al-Sadd’s defeat to Al-Nassr in the Champions League, Xavi said: “We played well against in the first half, despite the errors we committed. In the second half, things were balanced. We learned from our mistakes and we will study them ahead of the return leg. Our focus now is on the league games.”

“Every match is different. Al-Shahaniya is an organised side, with a good coach. The match against them will be difficult. If we think otherwise, we will suffer a lot. Al-Shahaniya’s result in their opening game is not a measure of their quality.”

As for Nam Tae-hee’s continued absence, Xavi said: “We are waiting for his return. He is one of the best players in Asia and can always create the difference. He is getting better quickly. He needs 10-15 days to return and when he is fit, we will depend on him. Currently, we have many excellent players who can give their best.”

Xavi was also asked about Al-Shahaniya’s new signing Abdelaziz Barrada. “I know him from the Spanish league. I don’t want any surprises in the game. The most important thing is to win. We are favourites to win and we must work hard to achieve that in every game.”