Al Sadd coach Juan Manuel Lillo ‘Juanma’ spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 9 match against Al Rayyan (Qatar Clasico).

“Looking at the 2022 FIFA World Cup from our point of view, we were more enthusiastic and passionate because we had a large number of players in the tournament.

“Regarding training, we had to complete the team with young players for more than a month and a half and, despite that, I think it was good.

“We will face a good competitor with good players, it will be a very difficult match and we need to see what the situation of our team will be with the absence of many players who are still with the national team. At the same time, some have returned but at different times, so we have to see how the situation is.

“Now we miss another large group of players who are with the national team in the Gulf Cup. The team must be stronger with the return of some players and we will strive to be at our best,” said Juanma.

Al Sadd player Jung Woo-Young said, “We will play in the upcoming matches of the league championship with full force after the return of most of the team members who represented their countries in the World Cup.

“Before the World Cup, we lost many points and now it is time to add points to our tally.

“From now on, we need to win all matches. The Qatar Clasico against Al Rayyan is the start for us and we have to win this match. There are no other options.

“Ahead of the World Cup, we did not have the services of Qatar national team players and many young players gained experience and this is a good thing for the team. Now, the national team players have returned and we can play in a better way like last season as we used to and we need to win all matches.”