Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Sadd are eager and excited to host Umm Salal in the fourth round of Ooredoo Stars League at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Friday at 8pm.
Defending champions Al Sadd will go into the match while being in 3rd place in the league standings with 6 points - from two wins over Qatar SC and Al Arabi, after a loss in the first round to Al Shamal.
On the other hand, Umm Salal face a big challenge against the fancied rivals. Umm Salal are currently in 7th place (3 points) from a single win over Al Shamal in the second week. They have suffered two losses - against Al Rayyan in the first week, and Al Duhail in the third week.
Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez speaking on the eve of the match, said, "Focus will be our weapon in the match against Umm Salal. Like all league matches, this match will be difficult, Umm Salal were strong competitors in the previous three matches this season.
"Given the circumstances, they are a difficult team to play against, we will see how the players will arrive after their return from the national team, and how we will be able to prepare for the match and which players will be available.
"I hope everyone is ready and excited to resume the league. I am confident that the players will be ready and will do their best to perform well and achieve victory,” said Sanchez.
Al Sadd defender Paulo Otavio said, "From my point of view, we must forget the previous three matches and this match will be like a new beginning for the league. We must start well against Umm Salal, and of course we have another match on Monday, but our focus now must be on Friday’s match.”
Umm Salal coach Carteron Patrice said, "We also know very well that Al Sadd are a strong team, so we have to focus on ourselves more than on the rivals, because we already know how strong they are.
"My team is ready to meet Al Sadd in the fourth round and all the team players have the determination and resolve to do their best. God-willing, we will be more focused and determined, and I hope to achieve positive results and show a good face,” Carteron added.
The result of the match and the points gained thereof would be of great importance to both teams.
Al Sadd will surely look to continue their winning run in the league and take their tally to 9 points while Umm Salal will be keen to do their best for a positive result and to continue competing to rise in the rankings.
Coach Sanchez will also have a full-fledged squad at his disposal except for the absence of Malian player Mohamed Camara, who is serving a suspension from the French League.
On the other hand, Umm Salal will be a tough and fierce competitor given the readiness of most of the team’s players, most notably Marouane Loudani and Kenji Gorre. The team, under the technical leadership of French coach Patrice Carteron, is looking forward to making its presence felt, and a positive result after the loss in the last round would help the side gain strength.
In the other matches of the day, Al Rayyan will meet Al Shahania at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (6pm), while Al Gharafa will play Al Shamal at Al Bayt Stadium (6pm).