(MENAFN- Gulf Times) There is no stopping Al Sadd and Xavi Hernandez. Since Xavi took over the Qatari football giant in May 2019, the Spaniard had to endure some difficult moments in his maiden managerial role. But the former Barcelona midfielder quickly found his feet and has steered Al Sadd to complete dominance.
On Sunday, The Wolves lifted the QNB Stars League title with four rounds left to play after defeating Umm Salal 3-0 at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. The win took Al Sadd to an unassailable 50 points as they claimed their 15th league title to extend their record as the most successful club in the competition.
Al Sadd, who are unbeaten in the league this season with 16 wins and two draws, dethroned Al Duhail SC who are on 37 points from 18 matches. Under Xavi, Al Sadd now hold all of Qatar's domestic titles the QNB Stars League, Amir Cup, Ooredoo Cup, Sheikh Jassim Cup and Qatar Cup.
'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, said Xavi on Sunday night. '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, he added,
The Spaniard, while thanked the fans for their support, vowed to win more title for the club. '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, Xavi said.
Meanwhile, Al Sadd forward Baghdad Bounedjah, who scored his 20th league goal of the season on Sunday, said the title triumph was one of the ‘beautiful moments' of his career. 'We aspired to win the title and Al Sadd deserved to win the league this season. We have played a high level of football this season and broken many records, the Algerian said.
'Everyone contributed to this victory, including the support staff. Winning the league has a different feeling and it's the result of hard work by the whole club, he added.
Capatain Hassan al-Haydos said: 'I am undoubtedly very happy with this achievement, and that to we did it with four rounds to spare. Winning the league this season was considered a challenge for us, but we as players pledged from the beginning of the season to work hard to win the title. It was not easy though, but we played every match with an aim to win.
He added: 'This season was long and arduous, in which we faced difficulties and challenges and surpassed them. We want to continue that winning momentum and are focused on doing well at Asian Champions League and the Amir Cup.
Meanwhile, Qatari star striker Akram Afif said Al Sadd were determined to win the title. 'We found competition from the rest of the teams, but Al Sadd proved its ability and strength. This season was not easy, especially with pandemic around. I want to thank all my teammates for their great effort as everyone worked hard. I also want to thank coach Xavi and his support staff, he added.
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