DOHA: Al Ahli will be looking to get back to winning ways in the new Qatar Stars League (QSL) season when they take on Al Wakrah at their home grounds tomorrow evening.
Al Ahli lost to Al Sadd in their previous game of QSL, but had a terrific start to this year’s season when they beat Al Gharafa 4-2 in the opening game. Head coach Luka Bona?i? gave his thoughts on the game at the recent pre match press conference.
“The last game we played well against Al Sadd but we were a little unlucky. We played especially well in defence but lost out, this is football.” Explained the Croatian in regards to Ahli’s second round match with Al Sadd.
Al Ahli have used the break to focus on their opponents Al Wakrah and Bona?i? believes his side is fully prepared.
“During the break we have prepared well, and we have players away and some are returning from international duty,” he said.
“Some are injured, but that is the way. We have a good squad of 21, 22 players who are ready,” Bona?i? added.
He also confirmed that influential midfielder Mojtaba Jabbari suffered an injury while playing with the Iranian national team and will be a doubt for the tie.
“Al Wakrah have two good strikers. We respect Wakrah, I am expected a hard game as they are desperate for a win and I hope my team do not repeat the mistakes they made against Al Sadd” noted Bona?i? when asked about his opponents.
On the other hand, Al Wakrah will be looking to continue their good vein of form going into the match. The Blue Waves picked up their first win of the season against Al Kharitiyat. Head coach Mauricio Larriera gave his views on the upcoming match.
“We hope we will get the three points, they are very important for us. I think we have prepared quite well, especially for this match during the break. We have to be effective in both boxes we have done well and we are going the right way” claimed the Uruguayan coach on Wakrah’s win last time out.
Al Wakrah are one of the favourites for relegation for this term, however Larriera dismissed this at the pre match press conference on Thursday morning. “I am not thinking about relegation we can’t work and think about relegation. I am telling the players to play and enjoy their football.”
The Blue Waves have lost both of their games so far this season, conceding second half goals. Head coach Larriera suggested that his side must focus throughout the tie to avoid defeat.
“Concentration is important in modern football and they need to be focused across ninety minutes, one mistake could be big for us.”
Talking about the opposition Larriera placed faith in his side. “I am sure the team will improve and preform in the next game against Ahli. We ready to play well and concentrate in both defence and attack.”
