Amir Cup final: Xavi shrugs off favourites tag, Blanc wants team to fight for title

High-scoring Al Sadd are on course to win Xavi Hernadez’s seventh title as a coach when they take on Al Rayyan in the 49th Amir Cup final at the brand new Al Thumama Stadium today. The 40,000 capacity Al Thumama Stadium will be the latest FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue to be inaugurated when it hosts today's final. The occasion also marks the completion of the sixth tournament-ready stadium after Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali and Al Bayt.

Tickets for today's title clash have been sold out. Top of the QSL with six wins from six already and 26 goals scored, The Wolves are unquestionably the favourites for the title, but head coach Xavi Hernandez waved off claims his side would have an easy ride. Gunning for a recordextending 18th title, the defending champions have dominated Al Rayyan in recent matches.

The Wolves have won five of their last six games against their rivals, with The Lions’ sole victory coming over 18 months ago. The last time both teams met in the Amir Cup final, Al Sadd edged Rayyan 2-1in Xavi’s last game as a player. “I will not say that we are favourites. In a final, there aren’t any,” Xavi told the media during a press conference. “Of course, in the last games, we beat them, but we expect it will be complicated to win this final. In the end, we are ready to compete, we respect them, and that’s why we have to fight.” Xavi also hailed Laurent Blanc and Al Rayyan’s recent signings but stressed he trusts his players can control the “little details” that can win the game, especially in defence. “I would say we are excited to be here; it was a long way to be here. It is a final, and it’s a ‘Clasico,’ and it will be tough. We respect them a lot, especially the coach, who has experience in Europe. They have signed players with top quality like James Rodrigues and Steven Nzonzi. They already have Yacine Brahimi. “But I trust my team, and I think that we are in a good moment, playing well. We will not change our style. Every detail will count, and we cannot commit mistakes. We need to control the emotions because it’s a new stadium opening, and I expect an exciting final,” Xavi said.