A file photo of Al Sadd’s training session.
Doha: Seeking a return to trophy winning form, Al Sadd’s team management led by head coach Jesualdo Ferreira has planned a busy training schedule for ‘The Wolves’.
The pre-season training for QNB Stars League (QSL) giants includes a training camp in Austria and several friendly games.
Al Sadd, led by Xavi Hernandez (pictured), were the only club which gave treble-winning Al Duhail a realistic threat to their campaign last season.
‘The Wolves’ finished second in the QSL behind Al Duhail, and also played the final of Qatar Cup which they lost to the same opposition. They won the season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup after defeating Al Duhail.
Al Sadd have secured new contracts for both Ferreira and Xavi reposing confidence on the duo as they aim to topple their counterparts the next season.
Al Sadd announced a two-year contract extension with Barcelona legend Xavi last week and on Tuesday they renewed Ferreira’s contract for another season.
‘The Wolves’, who will meet Iranian club Esteghlal in the first leg of the AFC Champions League quarter-final in Tehran on August 27, will begin preparations for the new season from July 1 in Doha.
During the training at home venue, Xavi’s side will work on physical and technical training before the coaches choose the final pre-season squad.
The squad will then travel to Austria training camp which will be held from July 12 to 28. The camp will be held in Bad Haring, an Austrian town that is situated close to the German border. The team will stay at the Hotel Das Sieben for the duration of the camp.
This will be Al Sadd’s second visit to Bad Haring, after training at the same venue last season.
The town, which is known for its mountains and health tourism, is just 45 kms away from Munich.
During the camp, the team will play three friendlies to prepare for the new season. The matches are set to be played on the July 19, 23 and 27. The new QSL season will begin on August 2.
