(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
By Fawad Hussain I The Peninsula
Doha: Only a few sides created problems for champions Al Sadd last season and Qatar SC were on of them. As the two sides square off again in the second round of the QNB Stars League today, coach Xavi (pictured) has urged 'The Wolves' to bring out their best against 'The Kings' at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium (KIS).
Al Sadd were held to a 1-1 draw by Qatar SC in the first leg of the last season, one of the only three games in which the Xavi-coached side had to share points in their unbeaten run.
“I expect a really difficult match. And we have to be ready and we must prepare well for this match,” Xavi, whose side defeated Al Sailiya 2-0 in their opening match, told a pre-match press conference yesterday.
The Barcelona legend opined the season will be tough, telling his ranks to excel in all the matches.
“Every match will be difficult this season, as all clubs have signed good players, especially Qatar SC, who have Javier Martinez and Djamel Benlamri. And they also have Youcef Belaili,” said Xavi.
The teams will return to action just after a short break and Xavi didn't see much problem in the hectic schedule.
“We cannot change the schedule and we have to adapt to it. At the same time, we have a large group of players whom we can rotate.”
Meanwhile, Qatar SC coach Ze Ricardo said his team was targeting a top show against a quality side.
“We are very excited about the encounter and we will play against a great team and we know that and our team is also a team to be reckoned with. We have to be highly focused and carry out the tactical duties well,” said Ricardo.
Qatar SC were held to a goalless draw by Al Ahli in their first match of the season.
Meanwhile, Al Duhail, who rallied to beat Al Khor 4-1 in the last round, will meet Al Arabi in today's second match at KIS.
Al Duhail coach Luis Castro said:“We are ready for this match and our goal is to win every match, regardless of which team we are facing. Everyone had expected that the Al Khor match would be easy, but it was not easy.
The QNB Stars League does not have such classifications and all matches are difficult.”
Al Arabi coach Younes Ali hoped his team will put up a good show after a win over Al Wakrah.
“In order to win against Al Duhail, we need to focus, reduce our mistakes, avoid the mistakes of the previous match and develop ourselves day after day,” said Younes.
Today's other match will be played between Al Sailiya and Al Shamal at Al Gharafa Stadium.
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