Xavi Hernandez
Al Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez was ‘very happy’ after his team responded to his call of bringing improvement with a clinical performance against Al Ain on Friday.
The Wolves, aided by a brace from feared striker Baghdad Bounedjah and goals from Rodrigo Tabata and 2019 AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif, thrashed UAE’s Al Ain 4-0 to bounce back from a 3-3 draw in the first leg, which disappointed Xavi to a great extent.
Al Sadd moved to 8 points behind Group D table toppers Al Nassr (10 points) after the commanding victory.
Xavi said his team was ‘perfect’ in all aspects and can achieve its targets by displaying a similar show in rest of the matches.
“We are very happy with this win. We played a great game. It was a big performance from us. Everything was perfect – attack, defence, set-pieces. We also had luck as they had some chances, but this is football,” said Xavi at a post-match press conference.
“Everyone did a good job today; they were focused on our organisation and game model. We created more chances compared to the last game, and we were more effective,” he added.
The Barcelona legend said Al Sadd were yet to achieve their first target of reaching the knockout stage, and must continue with the momentum.
“Our first goal is to qualify for the next round. If we play like we did today, we can qualify.”
“We are in a good position in the group now. This is an important win, but we need to keep going. I’m very happy, especially for the players, we now need to recover well and focus on the next game.”
Xavi also praised ‘special’ Tabata, who was one of the scorers against Al Ain on Friday.
“I told the players that he’s ( Tabata) an example for them. He’s almost 40, but it’s not an accident that he scored. He is special, he has a big heart and everybody loves him. He is a big, big example for all of us, the players and the technical staff.”
Al Sadd will take on Al Nassr in an anticipated Group D match tomorrow.
No complaints, we must do more to advance: Regragui
Al Duhail coach Walid Regragui hoped his team will bounce back after a shock 4-2 defeat to Sharjah at the Education City Stadium on Friday.
The Red Knights slipped to third in Group C with six points, with Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun FC leaping to second position on a better goal difference behind Iran’s Persepolis FC (7 points).
Al Duhail were reduced to 10 men during Friday’s game after Moroccan defender Medhi Benatia was sent off for an elbow on Sharjah playmaker Igor Coronado.
Regragui felt Benatia ‘did not deserve’ the red card and said he was proud how the team played in his absence.
“The players showed a lot of fighting spirit and we must focus on the upcoming matches,” he said, hoping for the return of Edmilson Junior and Karim Boudiaf from injuries.
“It’s time to work hard and not complain. We have to do more effort to achieve victory and qualify to the second round of the championship.”
Al Duhail face Persepolis FC in their next group match tomorrow.
