Al Sadd players in action during a practice session yesterday, ahead of their AFC Champions League Group D match against Iran’s Sepahan.
Doha: Doha giants Al Sadd will miss playmaker Baghdad Bounedjah and influential Pedro Miguel today but there will be no shortage of confidence in the home camp when they take on Iran’s Sepahan in their final group game.
After advancing to the Round of 16 following a draw with Al Nassr, the Wolves - coached by Xavi Hernandez - are now eyeing to finish on top of Group D by replacing the Saudi side, which will meet UAE’s Al Ain in their last game of the first stage at the same time.
Al Sadd, wrapped up preparations for today’s clash with a training session last evening after the entire squad was tested negative for COVID-19.
“We are happy to qualify for the Round of 16. We want to finish well in the group stage, by winning this game,” coach Xavi said at a pre-match press conference.
He added that his team will be up against a tough side that plays with an aggressive strategy.
“We will play against a very good team. They are a well-organised team, especially in defence. They control possession very well and they want to attack. It’s a good team. In my opinion, this is the most difficult group in this tournament, because the three opponents are really tough,” said Xavi.
“We are improving from one match to the next. We have done well in the group and we have a chance to finish on top,” he said before hinting at changes in the team for today’s match.
“We will rest some players, and some substitute players will play in the next match. Yes, Pedro and Baghdad will be suspended, and this is an opportunity to rest them after playing tough matches recently, and after qualifying for the next round, we have more options in (terms of) the players,” he said.
The Barcelona legend added his team is capable of taking any team in the knockout stage.
“There are some strong teams in Group C. We must defeat Sepahan first and wait for the result of Al Nassr and Al Ain to know who we will face, but we are ready for any team in the round of 16. We will wait and see what will happen. All the teams in the next round will be strong and ready to compete.”
Xavi said the teams in the continental event have shown good quality so far.
“The competition is very good and all the teams are doing well and all this is because of the coaches’ efforts. The defensive strategies of all the teams have been good, unlike last year. (Uzbekistan giants) Pakhtakor has been very good in the tournament and their players are doing well in defence and attack. Until now, they are one of the best teams in the competition, and my favourite so far,” he said.
