Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez is confident that his side would be at their best in crucial Week 7 match of the Ooredoo Stars League against Al Shahania on Friday.
Defending champions Al Sadd , who have won three and lost three games in the league so far are currently in fifth place with 9 points. Al Shahania, in contrast, are in tenth spot with 5 points but can be a dangerous opposition.
"We have started preparing with almost the entire squad, some players are absent due to their participation with their national teams and we are preparing strongly to face Al Shahania, said Sanchez while speaking to the media ahead of the match.
"Matches are always different after returning from the international break because our players come from different countries. We will try hard to prepare well and play a good match against Al Shahania. We know that we need points and that the match will be difficult against a team that achieved a good result in its last match, but we are confident in our ability to present a good match.
"We got three points in the last match before the international break and that was very important for us. We faced a strong team and we were coming from a defeat, but we know that many days have passed since that match, in order to lead the league we have to keep winning matches, and this is what we always try to achieve.
"We hope to keep improving and we realize that it is an ongoing process because we also have to deal with the return of players from the national teams. After the Al Shahania match, we have a strong match in the AFC Champions League Elite and we have to manage all these matters while maintaining the mentality of continuous development,” Sanchez added.
Al Sadd player Hashem Ali said, "Every match is important to us as if it were a final. I think we have more than five matches in a short period and we will play every 2-3 days, but we trust in ourselves and any player who gets the opportunity to play will give 100 per cent.”
Al Shahania Alvaro Mejia said while the they face a tough opposition, his team was ready for the face-off.
"The team is improving in level from one match to another, and is ready for the Al Sadd match,” said Mejia.
"We had a player in his country’s national team Alhassan Koruma, who played for Sierra Leone, so we will see how his physical condition will be and how ready he is for this match, and we must be ready and we will choose the appropriate 11 players for this match,” Mejia added.
Al Shahania player Francesco Antonucci said, "We will be up to the responsibility against Al Sadd and we are a team coming from the second division and everyone is working hard, and we in Al Shahania are one family and will be ready for Al Sadd.”
We are prepared for Al
Duhail: Ahli coach Biscan
Al Ahli coach Igor Biscan said his team was focused on the next match against Al Duhail.
While Al Duhail are leading the rankings with 15 points, Al Ahli are second with 14 points.
"I am confident of my players’ capabilities and their physical and technical preparations. As a coach, I realize that the match against Al Duhail will not be easy, but on the other hand I know the level of our players and what they can offer,” said Biscan while speaking to the media on Thursday.
"Al Duhail are a big and distinguished team that leads the league standings and are currently the best in terms of results, level and ability to score goals, which makes the match difficult and strong, but I prepared my team to face them in a way that achieves our goal on the field, which is a positive result.
"Al Ahli are presenting good levels in the league. That is what I work to continue, especially since this match will be against a team that has appreciation and respect from everyone, so we focus a lot on appearing at the distinguished level.
"It is a new challenge for Al Ahli and we must excel and make an effort to win and get points. Our players are very excited to provide the best physical and technical levels in order to win and advance in the standings,” added Biscan.
Al Ahli player Idrissa Doumbia said, "We realize the difficulty of the match against the league leaders who have of the best defence lines and the strongest attacking line, but we are ready as players to provide the best physical and technical performance.
"We respect Al Duhail team a lot, but we will make every effort to achieve victory and get points. All players know the importance of the match and focus on the field will be our motto.
"The match will be competitive and nothing more, and we are a team that aspires to achieve our goal and please our fans with the best performance and result.”