Al-Sadd Head Coach Wants to Win Qatar Cup

Doha, February 18 (QNA) - Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez described his side's next match against Al-Rayyan, in the semi-finals of the 2021 Qatar Cup, as an "early final". Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Xavi said: "We in Al Sadd want to win this cup, which is a completely different tournament from the league. We have a big challenge this season, which is to win all the tournaments and I am proud of the players because they have done an excellent job." He added: "If we play as we play in the league, it will be difficult to beat Al-Sadd, we must have the utmost humility and we must respect everyone. The match will not be easy and it is an early final between two excellent teams. We have our goal, which 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 one match to the next, 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 good players and they are all qualified to play as a starter. I feel sad when I put any player on the bench." 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." Al-Sadd striker Baghdad Bounedjah stressed on the readiness of his side ahead of the upcoming game against Al-Rayyan in the 2021 Qatar Cup semi-final. Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Bounedjah said: "Al-Rayyan is a good team and we will be high focused to win this game. Everyone will place Al-Sadd as favourites, but the cup matches are different." The Algerian international added: "I always try to work with the team, we work with as a group, with one spirit, in order to win. I strive to score in every match and the players support me in that. Football is full of challenges and my focus is completely with the team, to win and claim more titles." (QNA)