Al Jazira coach Henk ten Cate has implored his team to salvage their wretched season during the winner takes all clash against Xavi’s Al Sadd for AFC Champions League qualification.
The Pride of Abu Dhabi finished second in the Arabian Gulf League last term, but are currently flirting with relegation while the Dutchman tries to repair the damage left by predecessor Abel Braga.
Victory in the one-off contest at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium against the Qatar Stars League heavyweights would secure entry into Group C, providing a rare bright spot in a dismal campaign.
“It is an important game, do or die,” said Ten Cate. “Only the winner goes through.
“The spirit is high and good, our victory versus Dibba Al Fujairah (5-1 on Thursday) has helped us a lot and has improved the self confidence of the players.
“In this qualification game, we face a very strong team with very good players and a very experienced coach. It is not going to be easy.
“The position in the league right now (ninth) doesn’t do justice to the quality of our team. I think we can do much better.”
Much of the focus for the tie has centred on iconic centre midfielder Xavi, who ended a 24-year association with Barca to move to Doha in the summer. But his new club have not excelled in his exalted presence, sitting 19 points off runaway QSL leaders Al Rayyan in fourth.
Despite his side’s poor domestic form, Portuguese boss Jesualdo Ferreira was full of praise for the 133-times-capped Spain legend.
He said: “For me, after 42 years as a coach it is a privilege to work with Xavi. He’s a personality who has won everything with Spain and won all competitions with Barcelona.
“But in training he is like a child and he loves football. A guy like this is very important for the coach and especially the new players.
“I will count on him a lot in the match against Al Jazira.”
Ten Cate gained direct experience of Xavi when he was assistant coach at the Blaugrana from 2003-06, winning two La Liga titles and the Champions League.
“Everyone has seen Xavi left Barcelona at the highest level possible,” the 61-year-old said. “He is still a fantastic footballer.
“We have to take good notice of him, but more than just him. I remember from my time in Qatar as coach at Umm Salal (in 2010/11), their left-back Nadir Belhadj is also fantastic.”
Al Sadd – who won the 2011 ACL – have pleasant recent memories of Abu Dhabi, defeating Al Wahda on penalties after an epic 4-4 draw at the same stage last February.