Doha: Lekhwiya are expecting a tough match against El Jaish in round 19 of the Qatar Stars League (QSL), assistant coach Bruno Oliveira said yesterday.
“A Strong confrontation awaits us against El Jaish. The time gap between the previous game and this one is very short, which didn’t let us to do much,” Oliveira said.
“However we have worked hard to prepare the team. What is important for us to put the previous games behind us,” Bruno said.
“This match is between the 2nd and 3rd place teams and hence it is very crucial for both sides. El Jaish is ahead of us by only two points and if we would like to reduce the points difference we have to win and overcome El Jaish,” Oliveira said
About the status of the Congolese striker Alain Dioko who moved recently to Lekhwiya, Oliveira said: “Dioko has his own special style and we are trying to assist him to be effective.”
Commenting on the return of Muntari and his readiness, Bruno said: “Muntari is already included in the AFC Champions League registration list, consequently yes he will take part in the coming clash.”
Commenting on the impact of El Jaish match on the team’s next game in the AFC Champions League 2016 group stage versus Foolad Zobahan (Iran) on Febraury 23, Oliveira said: “Indeed such results leave an impact on future games. When you win, the players are motivated for more but when you lose, this may affect negatively on the team. It is our role as coaching staff to help the players and enhance the understanding that they should take it step by step and match by match.”
From his side, Lekhwiya Sports Club football player Dioko said: “We have lost two matches against Al Sailiyah and Al Arabi. Now we have a strong confrontation especially ahead of our ACL match. We will enter this match with strength in order to win and gain the three points which is the most important thing.”
El Jaish Sports Club head coach Sabri Lamouchi said winning three points is key.
“Previously the fierce competition was between Al Sadd, Lekhwiya and El Jaish and now we have Al Rayyan. I truly like this team and the head coach. I don’t only congratulate Al Rayyan but I would like to congratulate the Qatar Stars League on having such great team,” Lamouchi said.
“Logically it is difficult to think about the top of the league table as we are now focusing on the second position with other teams that are looking to overcome teams such as Lekhwiya, Al Arabi and Al Sadd.”
From his side, El Jaish Sports Club goalkeeper Khalifah Abu Bakr said: “The match is considered very crucial for us and we are playing against one of the best teams in the recent five years, which should be respected. We have trained and prepared well for this game.”
Meanwhile, Al Kharaitiyat will be looking to get points from their clash against Mesaimeer when the two sides clash in round 19).
Al Kharaitiyat head coach Ammar Osim said his side won’t take Mesaimeer lightly.
“We remember Mesaimeer well especially from the first leg match which we lost, although we have won other stronger teams. We felt very disappointed after that defeat but we have learnt our lesson and won’t commit the same mistake again,” Osim said.
“Now our team is under lots of pressure while Mesaimeer doesn’t have pressure at all because they are almost relegated to the second division. We have to improve our standing in the league table to stay in the safe zone,” Osim added.
“Regarding the team tactics, we have suffered three consecutive defeats which will naturally affect negatively on the team. We can’t be compared to El Jaish, Lekhwiya or Al Rayyan.
“Every season we keep on struggling to avoid the relegation zone but let’s admit that the league schedule doesn’t help us at all. We have lost to the big teams, but we will prevail against the other team with similar circumstances,” he said.
Al Kharaitiyat player Domingos said: “We have to respect Mesaimeer as they do perform strong and well in some of their games against the big teams. We have to take this match very seriously and do our best. We are fighting for the points of each and every game. We are demanded to translate the hard work into positive result against Mesaimeer.”
Mesaimeer head coach Rodion said that his team facing difficult times after losing the previous two games. He explained that everything now is in the hands of Mesaimeer and they are the only ones who can prove their worthy of staying in the QSL.
“Definitely we are looking forward to repeat our victory over Al Kharaityat. If we played against them five days ago, thing would be much better, as the players are mentally suffering now from the previous two rounds. We have to focus on all our remaining game and will see what will happen,” Rodion said
Commenting on the lack of goals, he said: “Indeed we didn’t score any goals but we do perform well and create goal-scoring opportunities. We lack the final touch or in fact a qualified striker to translate such opportunities into goals. It is hard to speak now on the calculations of our survival and it is better to focus on Al Kharaityat game.” Mesaimeer player Abdel Aziz Askar said: “We will do our best to overcome the opponents as well as in the future games as our team is capable of repeating their victory over Al Kharaityat and we still have hope to survive the relegation.”
The Peninsula
