Xavi: It will be a difficult game against Sepahan, we need to win

Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez stated that the upcoming match against Iranian side Sepahan in the AFC Champions League will be a complicated fixture, and that everyone knows how strong Iranian teams are.

Speaking during the press conference, Xavi said: “We saw Sepahan’s last game, and it was a surprise to me that they won by four goals. We will do our best against them. We are very excited to play in the AFC Champions League.”

He added: “After the Al-Nassr game, we played a difficult game. Our start was good and it will be better if we beat Sepahan. We know that they are an excellent physical team.”

“I am happy with the squad that we have. Unfortunately, we lost a few influential players, but we have found other players who have given a good performance and they will help us a lot. Al-Sadd has a great group of players and we have to win all the matches. We are competing in many tournaments like the league, the Amir Cup and also the AFC Champions League and I like this. I welcome all kinds of pressure that make us stronger.”

Xavi also said: “Iranian teams are very strong and it is difficult to beat them. They are highly capable, so a match against them will be very difficult. The young players in the Sepahan team will also have an opportunity to prove their capabilities.”

As for his side’s Champions League aspirations in 2020, the Spanish coach said: “I hope we can reach the final and win the title this time. The AFC Champions League is a very difficult tournament, but Al-Sadd have the capability to win the title. We are very excited; our group is difficult but we are ready for all the matches.”