DOHA (Qatar): Al Sadd caoch Xavi Hernandez said that their match against Al Duhail in the Qatar Stars League on Saturday.
“The Duhail match will be one of the most difficult in the league. But we are ready for the challenge,” said Xavi.
With three rounds to go in the league, Al Duhail lead the points standings with 46 points, four points ahead of second-placed Al Rayyan, with Al Sadd trailing them by eight points.
A win for Al Duhail or even a draw in the high-octane encounter will take reigning champions Al Sadd out of the title race, which already seems an improbable task for the Wolves.
The reigning champions are the only side that won the two matches after the tournament was resumed on July 24.
However, Sadd will miss Qatar international and striker Akram Afif, who has been sidelined for four weeks due to injury.
“We will miss him. He is a very important player for us, but we will compete until the last moment. We still have the chance of competing for the title even if it’s difficult,” added the former Barcelona star.
“We at Al Sadd are always ready and have a winning mentality. We know that we are facing the leader and the match is difficult, but we will do our best to get the three points.”
Sadd are looking to ‘fight until the last minute’, Al Duhail are completely focused on winning the title, which makes Saturday’s game between the star-studded teams at Al Sadd Stadium an eagerly-awaited.
We need confidence, patience: Duhail coach
Duhail regained form in Al Gharafa match after a shock draw against relegation-threatened Umm Salal in Week 18.
Duhail coach Walid Regragui has been telling his ranks to remain focused to win the title.
“Now it is not easy, we need confidence and patience. We have to fight and play without pressure, and I have big confidence in all players,” Regragui told media before their 2-0 win over Al Gharafa.
