Cheima Moufdil
Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez expressed confidence that his team will rise to the occasion in their upcoming Week 7 fixture of the Ooredoo Stars League against Al Shahania this Friday. The defending champions, currently sitting in fifth place with 9 points after three wins and three losses, are looking to secure a vital victory in climbing the league table.
Al Shahania, which is in 10th place with 5 points, may appear as underdogs, but Sanchez acknowledged their potential to pose a serious threat.
“We’ve started preparing with almost the entire squad, though some players are still with their national teams,” Sanchez noted during a pre-match press conference. “Matches after an international break are always tricky because players return from different environments. But we’re working hard to ensure we are ready for the challenge against Al Shahania.”
Sanchez emphasized the importance of building momentum, especially after Al Sadd’s victory before the break. “That win was crucial for us, and to lead the league, we need to keep winning. We know that this match will be difficult, but we’re confident in our ability to deliver a good performance. Following this game, we’ll have a key match in the AFC Champions League, so it’s important to manage everything effectively while maintaining our focus on continuous improvement.”
Al Sadd’s Hashem Ali echoed his coach’s sentiments, stressing that every game is treated as a final. “We have more than five matches coming up quickly, and we’ll be playing every 2-3 days. But we trust in ourselves, and whoever gets the chance to play will give their best.”
Al Shahania coach Álvaro Mejía, while recognizing the challenge ahead, believes his team is up to the task. “Our level is improving with each match, and we’re ready to face Al Sadd,” Mejía said. He also highlighted the return of key player Alhassan Koroma, who represented Sierra Leone during the international break, noting that his physical condition would be crucial.
Midfielder Francesco Antonucci added that Al Shahania, despite coming from the second division, is ready to take on the responsibility of facing a team as strong as Al Sadd. “We’re like a family, and we’ll be well-prepared for the match.”