Qatar Stars League (QSL) leaders El Jaish will be looking to maintain top spot when they entertain a struggling Al Kharaitiyat side today evening at Lekhwiya stadium.
El Jaish head coach Sabri Lamouchi gave his thoughts to the local media.Opening the press confernce, Lamouchi stressed that his side need to keep up the same intensity against their opponents.
“In the game against Al Kharaitiyat, we need to play with the same determination and application. We are in first place, but we have been lacking defensively and we have to improve.”
“I respect this team, they have changed players they are more physical, they have changed their coach and their situation is a bit critical,” explained the French coach when asked about Al Kharaitiyat.
El Jaish will have six games over the month of December, and Lamouchi stressed the importance of looking after the players over this period.
“During this period of games and recovery, six games in one month is many so we must take care of our players. We only have one pitch to train on, which leaves us at a disadvantage, but we are working on ways to improve our situation.”
Lamouchi concluded his press conference noting that two key players won’t play today.
“Seidou Keiya, Majid Mohammed are doubtful for the game. Anyway, we will put out our best side for the match against Al Kharaitiyat.”
As for Al Kharaitiyat, they head into the game off the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Al Sailiya. Assistant coach Taufik Zaboub gave his thoughts to the local media ahead of today's game.
“We are facing the league leaders who played in the Champions league, we respect them. We face El Jaish full of confidence after we showed fighting spirit against Al Sailiya.”
“Our professionals have not been at the best so far this season. Unfortunately they where injured and they couldn't effect the side early in the season. Now they are getting better, and improving and we need to give them time to reveal their true potentials,” explained Kharaitiyat’s assistant coach when asked about the Thunders professionals players form this season.
In other games, Muaitherfaces a tough challenge as they meet Al Rayyan. Muaither coach Phillipe Birol stressed the challenge ahead for his side.
“We are playing the QSL champions, it will be very difficult and are a side with plenty of quality. We are preparing for the match, and the aim is that we get a result and not loose heavily like we did against Lekhwiya and Al Sadd.”
Muaither have won their last three games in the QSL, and Birol beleives his side are improving all the time after a slow start.
Head coach Michael Laudrup gave his thoughts to the local media ahead of the game.
“We will play one of the form teams in the QSL, who are full of plenty of confidence at the moment. They have showed that they have a very good side, and three wins in the league underlines this.”
As for Al Rayyan they will be looking to get back to winning ways following their 1-1 draw with rivals Lekhwiya.
Third place Lekhwiya meet Umm Salal tomorrow aiming to snatch the second spot that they share with Al Sadd. Sixth placed Umm Salal are looking for their third win of the season. Umm Salal's Head coach Bülent Uygun revealed that his side will be without two key players in defence Jawad Ahnash and Anderson Martins.
