A Big Win and a Big Loss for Qatar’s Al Sadd Soccer Team

(DOHA, Qatar) — For fans of Qatar men’s soccer, the last few weeks have been full of highs and lows. 

On Oct. 22, Al Sadd beat Al Rayyan 5-4 on penalties to win the Amir Cup in front of a full-capacity, 40,000 person crowd at the newly inaugurated Al Thumama stadium in Doha. But just a few days later, Al Sadd’s CEO, Turki Al-Ali, announced on Twitter that the team’s coach, Xavi Hernández, will be leaving to return to Barcelona.

Al Thumama was the fifth inaugurated stadium ahead of FIFA World Cup 2022. [Credit: Alma Milisic]

The Al Thumama stadium was designed by Qatar’s prominent architect Ibrahim Jaidah. [Credit: Alma Milisic]

Qatar has been holding matches at the newly opened stadiums in part as an organizational test for the World Cup, since the country’s first metro opened in May 2019 to secure easier access for the fans.

Emma Daniel and Jenna Baillie, who work as independent contractors helping train staff in preparation for World Cup 2022, came all the way from the UK to enjoy the game as fans. The women told The Click they were happy with the way everything came together and that Qatar’s decision to hold the World Cup in November and December  was a “smart move”, considering the country’s hot summers that reach up to 123 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Emma Daniel (left) and Jenna Baillie (right) came all the way from the UK to enjoy the match. [Credit: Alma Milisic]

“It will be busy, but they are all welcome,” Alansari said.

Qatari women share their excitement about Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup. [Credit: Alma Milisic]

“We don’t really support either of the two teams,” admitted Mohamed “We’re here because of Xavi.” 

Little did they know that it would be their last chance to see him in his role as coach for Al Sadd. Hernández joined Al Sadd as a player in 2015, after a 17-year long career as a midfielder for Spain’s Barcelona, and in 2019 he took on the role of Al Sadd’s coach, winning seven titles with the team.

Al Sadd fans hold up the team’s flag after it leveled against opposing Al Rayyan during the second half of the match. [Credit: Alma Milisic]

“Xavi informed us a few days ago of his desire to go to Barcelona at this particular time, because of the critical stage his hometown club is going through, and we understand this and decided not to stand in his way,” said Al-Ali on the club’s official Twitter account.  “Xavi and his family will remain welcome in Doha, and our relationship will continue.” 

“I’m a Saddawi now, a supporter of Al-Sadd, and it will be forever ,” said Hernández in his farewell interview with Al Sadd.

“Of course, you never know; maybe it’s not the time to say goodbye. Maybe I will come back in the future. Why not? I feel Al-Sadd is my home.”

Barcelona has signed a two-year contract with Hernández that will last until 2024. It is yet unclear who will take over as coach for Al Sadd.