Doha: Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez yesterday said that the players must move on after their Amir Cup victory and focus on today's QNB Stars League (QSL) Round 7 match against Umm Salal.
Al Sadd, who emerged Amir Cup champions for the 18th time following a thrilling final against Al Rayyan, but Xavi said they will have to work hard despite their favourite tag in QSL.
“I asked the players to focus very much and enjoy the winning mentality. We are the favourites only on paper, but in reality the match will be very difficult.
“Umm Salal are a good team with a distinguished coach and foreign players, and there is no time to rest in view of the series of matches. We have an opportunity to move away in the lead and our goal is to win and gain three very important points, especially after the loss of second-placed Al Duhail to Al Wakrah," Xavi said.
“It will not be an easy match especially and everyone wants to defeat us. We must show our level again and we will keep rotating the players to face the pressure of the matches.
“We have just achieved a great success (Amir Cup), but we must maintain our level and mentality and not be affected by complacency. We should not commit any mistakes to continue victories in the league championship,” said Xavi.
