Ali Asad’s 13th minute strike helped Al Sadd win the tournament that’s touted as the Super Cup in domestic season. It was Sadd’s 70th title overall in all competitions, but the triumph also saw Xavi start his managerial career with a title since he replaced Jesualdo Fereira end of last season.
Speaking after the match, Xavi said: “I am very happy to win my first title with Al Sadd as a coach. We worked hard throughout the past few weeks, in order to be able to win titles. Today, we are on the podium as champions of the first trophy on offer this season.”
It was a victory that would give Xavi and his boys the much needed confidence before they start QSL campaign starts on August 21, when the defending champions take on Al Wakrah.
“This obviously gives us a lot of happiness and also a psychological boost, to push us forward in the other tournaments. We are still at the start and we have a lot of work to do if we are to win more titles,” Xavi said.
“We deserve this title and the players deserve to be champions, after the performance they displayed throughout the game. It wasn’t an easy match; we knew very well how difficult it would be. I want to congratulate the players for their excellent displays, not just in this game but in the last three games we have played since the start of the season. I also want to congratulate the management and the fans, on winning the first title of the season. Also, I congratulate the coaching staff who worked a lot for this moment. We will now keep working hard to win more titles,” he added.
Goal-scorer Ali Asad described winning the Sheikh Jassim Cup as as a “good start to the season.”
The 26-year-old said: “Although a lot of opportunities came up, the players were keen to play a cautious game as per Xavi’s instructions. We tried to make our chances count but we weren’t fortunate. In the end, what’s important is that we won and lifted the title.”
He also shared his appreciation for the club’s fans, adding: “We will work hard to make our fans happy in all the competitions and the upcoming challenges.”
