Xavi: Happy with the win, fatigue affected us in the second half

Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez expressed his satisfaction after the Wolves defeated Al-Ahli 2-1 in Round 8 of the QNB Stars League on Saturday evening.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Xavi said: “The match had two parts; in the first half, we played well and went 2-0 up but in the second half, we were affected by fatigue due to the Champions League game. Al-Ahli played well in the second half.”

The coach also said: “I am happy with this win after an intense game against Al-Ahli. In the previous season, we lost to Al-Ahli after our Champions League exit and so I’m very happy with this victory.”

He added: “We knew that the match would be tough. Some of the players relaxed after going 2-0 up and everyone saw how Al-Ahli managed to reduce the deficit. This is how things are after the Champions League. All the matches are tough and we must learn from our mistakes in the upcoming matches.”

Xavi was asked about his players needing rest, and he replied: “Yes, but there is not enough time for it. Baghdad needs some rest and he is a very important player for us. I will try to rest him during the Gulf Cup tournament. We have games against Al-Duhail and Qatar SC coming up, and we must prepare well for them.”

As for the absence of Nam Tae-hee in this game, Xavi said: “Nam was ill and not injured, and we couldn’t play him in this game.”