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Tribune News Network
DOHA
Al Khor coach Nassif al Bayawi is hoping to sign four new players to strengthen the side ahead of the QNB Stars League's second phase, which will start on January 11, 2018.
During a training camp at the Aspire Zone, Bayawi said his team would rope in one foreign striker and three Qatari players.
"I'm sure almost all teams will change players in the January transfer window ahead of the second phase of the league. And we'll be no different. In fact, we badly need to sign some players. We suffered in the first phase due to a lack of a regular striker and a right-back. The makeshift arrangements proved costly for us on many occasions," said Bayawi.
"The league's second phase will be really tough. We'll almost be playing non-stop like week in and week out. We've to be well-equipped to meet the challenges, especially when we're looking to compensate for the lost points. We're more keen on making a turnaround in our fortunes.
"I hope the signings happen sooner than later. Our priority will be to help the new group of players gel well in quick time. I'm sure my wards will be game for the big tasks on hand," he said.
The Tunisian dwelled on the positives from their training camp at Aspire.
"We've had amazing conditions, excellent facilities and a quiet hotel (Torch Doha) to stay. Any coach would like to have such conditions to mould his players. We trained morning and evening every day. The morning session started at 9.30 and evening practice at 6. We also had two open sessions at the Al Gharafa ground.
"My medical staff did an excellent job and, thank God, we've no injury worries. The players are all geared up for the challenges and we hope to be on the right track," said Bayawi.
Al Khor are in the eighth position with 10 points after the first phase of the league. The Knights registered three wins and one draw, but suffered seven defeats. They even lost to promoted side Al Markhiya, but came good against Al Sailiya and went down fighting to Al Sadd at the refurbished Khalifa International Stadium before imploding against Al Arabi in the last round.
"It's true that we've scored only 12 goals and conceded 21 from 11 games, but I could manage the side in only four matches after replacing (Laurent) Banide. The camp at Aspire has helped the players mentally and physically, and we hope to take it to our advantage in the remaining part of the season," he concluded.
Al Khor are scheduled to play friendlies against Qatar SC on December 28 and Umm Salal on January 5, 2018. Another friendly against the Tunisian national team, which will camp in Doha, is also lined up, but it has yet to be confirmed.
Al Khor are scheduled to take on Al Rayyan at the Al Sadd Stadium on January 13, in the 12th round of QNB Stars League.
