The Peninsula
Barca great Xavi Hernandez expressed his delight after winning the maiden QNB Stars League title as a coach following Al Sadd's 3-0 win over Umm Salal in Round 18.
On Sunday, Al Sadd clinched the prestigious Falcon Trophy for 15th time with four games to spare after the win on their home turf. The win took the Wolves to 50 points, giving them an unassailable lead of 13 points over second-placed and defending champions Al Duhail.
Speaking to the club’s website, Xavi said: “We created a new history for Al Sadd. I am happy to win the league title for the first time as a coach with Al Sadd, after winning it as a player.”
“I am happy to be in this group of players, officials, technical and medical staff. Our goal is to win all the tournaments we participate in,” Xavi said
The coach thanked all the fans, and said: “Special thanks to the fans of Al Sadd who supported the team with full force throughout the season and also in the championship match against Umm Salal, and we promise them to continue working to make them happy and win more championships for the club.”
Meanwhile, Hani Taleb Ballan, CEO of QSL, congratulated Al Sadd club after the title win.
“On my own behalf and on behalf of all members and staff of QSL, I congratulate the players, technical as well as administrative staff and fans of the club for its excellence and the distinctive level of the team throughout this season’s championship. That led them to lifting the league shield well-deservedly after presenting wonderful and strong levels, achieving results and creating records en route to the title,” he added.
He pointed out that the technical level this season was distinguished by strength and excitement among the teams in order to achieve the goals and ambitions, and hailed the constructive co-operation and continued partnership between QSL and clubs with the aim of further development of professional football in Qatar and the league championship.
The QSL CEO extended his thanks and appreciation to all stakeholders, sponsors, partners, media outlets and Al Kass Sports Channels (Official Broadcaster), for consistently joining hands with QSL, and said, “We always look forward to continued co-operation and combined efforts to achieve our goals.”