DOHA (Qatar): Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez said the Qatar Cup semifinal against Al Rayyan tomorrow will be an “early final”.
“We want to win this cup, which is a completely different tournament from the league. We have a big challenge this season. We want to win all the tournaments. I am proud of the players because they have done an excellent job,” Xavi said at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
“If we play as we played in the league, it will be difficult to beat Rayyan. We must have the utmost humility. We must respect everyone. Our goal is to qualify for the final.”
The coach continued, saying: “My mission as a coach is to always motivate the team to give their 100%. Relaxation will be the first step towards defeat.”
As for the changes in the Wolves’ lineup from match to match, Xavi said: “I would say that I am very lucky to have all these Al Sadd players because they are the ones who made me a good coach. I have 25 good players and they are all qualified to play as a starter. I feel sad when I put any player on the bench: for example, Musaab Khidir and Ahmed Suhail.”
Xavi added: “The five substitutions give a great opportunity for players to participate. The league is not easy, many teams defend well but we have players who make the difference.”
He further said: “Our aim is the Champions League of course, and we are competing strongly in all the tournaments. I’m very happy with what my team is offering now. I am very happy to be with Al-Sadd and to be in Qatar.”
