Al Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi (right) speaks during a press conference ahead of their Qatar Stars League clash against Al Shahaniya which will take place at Al Ahli Stadium today.
DOHA: Struggling Al Sailiya will be looking for full points against newly promoted AL Shahaniya, when the fifth round of Qatar Stars League (QSL) kicks off at the Al Ahli Stadium this afternoon.
Following their dismal run this season, Sami Trabelsi’s side has only gained two points from four games they have played so far.
Despite their performances in the initial stage of the season, head coach Trabelsi believes his team is in better shape.
“This season we started better than last season. Shahaniya is a very good side they are giving strong performances as a team. If we look at their previous performances they have some great matches. They don’t have big names and we don’t have big names so it will be an interesting match,” he said.
Speaking about his side’s lack of goals Trabelsi added, “We were having a problem with defence last season and we fixed this problem but at the same time we now have a problem in attack. We are finding it difficult to find the net as we need good finishing.”
“In football stat are about numbers and numbers are about winning. Although we are improving in performance but to be realistic we need better results,” added the Tunisian tactician at the press conference yesterday.
Shahaniya are having a good start to the QSL season with the newcomers picking up five points from four games. Jose Fernando’s men will be looking to continue this good form against Sailiya.
Jose Fernando, the head coach of Shahaniya wants his players to be confident going into games.
“The result last week got us a point and that gives us confidence. Each game we are attacking more and there is a good atmosphere in the club and I want to keep this atmosphere. The next game against Sailiya is very tough but we will try our best.”
“I feel there is quality in the team and right now I want get everything from the players and I am very satisfied with their performance. I tell them that if we train the right way you can get results. I know players in the top four sides have good players but I personally feel players in Shahaniya have the quality as well,” added the Portuguese tactician.
Later, at the same venue, Al Ahli will go head to head against Al Khor at 7.30pm.
Al Ahli are heading into the game off the back of a 2-0 derby win over Al Arabi and are currently ranked fourth in the table. The brigadiers will be gunning for another win against Al Khor.
Luka Bonacic, the head coach of Al Ahli wants his team to keep on playing in the same way, “We continue working like usual. In Qatar every game is important, we analysed that Al Khor and they have good offence and we must find a way through in order to win this match.”
“For each team we have a different strategy and this will be the case for Al Khor. I believe in our players and I’m satisfied with my players. I look forward to see what I can achieve with this group,” added the Croation head coach.
Bonacic is full of confidence in his team and believes that they will get the three points today.
“I believe that tomorrow we are going to beat Al Khor and I know how to prepare my players for this match and to motivate them. They might think some teams are easier than others but it’s my job to keep them alert and motivated,” he said.
Al Khor has four points from as many games and currently sit ninth in the QSL standings. The Knights have a tough task ahead of them as they face an in form Al Ahli side.
Jean Fernandez, the head coach of Al Khor thinks that it will be a tough game, “Al Ahli is a very good team and they have very good strikers who win games for them. They are not an easy club to be playing against.”
