Doha: While stressing that he has no intentions of leaving the club, Al Arabi Captain Khoukhi Boualem has expressed satisfaction on his team’s run at the Qatar Stars League (QSL).
In an interview with QSL Online about his views on the club and how they are progressing this season, Boualem said: “We are satisfied with our current status in the league table compared to last season. We have now gained 16 points after the end of Round 8, last season we gained only 8 points by Round 8.”
Commenting on whether the team will be affected by the absence of one or two players, which was the case with Al Kharaitiyat, he said: “Al Arabi is a strong team and doesn’t rely on one player. Each and every player is following the instructions of the technical staff and is ready to replace a player if necessary.”
While responding to a query about his temper, the Algerian said: “This is football and sometimes it makes me angry or frustrated. I assure you that the match pressure and my general enthusiasm is what makes me so competitive.”
He praised coach Zola saying: “Everyone knows Zola, his reputation is huge whether as a player or as a coach. He is a very good coach with huge potential. He treats all the players equally regardless of their fame or experience.” The player added, “Our problem during the previous seasons lies in the fact that we lacked fighting spirit and the strength necessary to win. However, things changed this season with the huge support from the club’s management and the fans, which gave us the required spirit and strength.”
Boualem was then asked about who he thought would win the league but the Arabi man said that it was premature to consider the winner now: “We can’t decide now which team is going to win the league title. All the conditions are in place this season for our team to return to the top of the podium after being absent for almost 20 years.”
He also praised the performance of Al Rayyan in the QSL season so far. “Indeed Al Rayyan is a very distinguished team and they have so far gained 24 points from 8 matches, but still it is too early to decide.” Boualem was then quizzed about the possibility of leaving Al Arabi and he replied in negative. “Al Arabi is my home and I am not thinking about leaving Al Arabi at all. I started in Al Arabi six years ago and I still have three seasons of my contract left.”
Commenting on the upcoming tough clash versus El Jaish in Round 9, he said: “There is no doubt that it will be a very tough game which will witness lots of chances and good football.”
Boualem sent a message to the club’s fans saying, “We would like to thank our dedicated fans. I hope I can make you all happy at the end of the season.”
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