The Peninsula
Al Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez is thrilled to see his side storm into the Qatar Cup final with what he called ‘the best match’ played by the Doha giants.
Al Sadd on Saturday crushed Al Rayyan 4-1 after conceding an early goal by Mowafak Awad (15). Boulaem Khoukhi (38), Akram Afif (42), Salem Al Hajri (54) and an own goal by Al Rayyan defender Gabriel Mercado (68) helped Al Sadd complete their resounding win.
In the final scheduled for January 17 at the Al Sadd Stadium, Al Sadd will face Al Duhail, who had beaten Al Sailiya 2-0 in the first semi-final on Friday. “It was the best match for Al Sadd this season and it was a perfect match in both defensive and offensive aspects, we had many opportunities and we did well,” Xavi said.
“Al Sadd players know how to win. I am happy and proud of training Al Sadd players, and today I saw them happy with this victory. If the players continue with this performance, we will not be defeated by any team,” Xavi added.
On what was reported about Barcelona’s negotiations with him about he becoming their coach, Xavi said in a post on the club website: “I don’t hide my dream of coaching Barcelona one day, I would love to coach the team. I support them and my dream is to train Barcelona, ??but now my focus is on Al Sadd.”
He added: “Eric Abidal is my friend. Out of respect for Barcelona and Al Sadd, my focus is on the next match against Al Duhail. They came here to see the injured Ousmane Dembele. My focus here is with Al Sadd and the upcoming phase. We have an important game coming up in the final against Al Duhail team, and we must focus on it in a big way.”