DOHA (Qatar): Current table-toppers Al Duhail will look to restart their Qatar Stars League campaign on a winning note when they take on Umm Salal on Saturday.
“Our preparations during the past period were good, especially in the last stage, despite some injury worries. But that is not an excuse because Al Duhail are capable of putting them behind. I hope we will continue to win, maintain the lead and win the title,” said coach Walid Regragui.
Duhail, who hold a four-point advantage over Al Rayyan, need to win four out of their remaining five matches to wrap up the title, while not relying on any other results to go their way.
“We know that all clubs would make extra efforts to beat us, but we will work more to show the champion stuff. The match against Umm Salal will not be different and it will serve as a message to all clubs that we are ready to win the title,” he added.
Duhail can expect a relatively easier game against Umm Salal but face Al Gharafa in the 19th round and Al Sadd in the 20th.
Any slip up in those matches could prove costly for them.
Duhail will be without Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic, who left the club by mutual consent.
The Red Knights have recruited Brazilian Dudu, who is ineligible to play for them this season. But they have Edmilson, Mehdi Benatia and Youssef Msakni, who will look to fire their team towards the title.
“Mandzukic’s departure is an agreement between the club management and the player, it will not affect us. We have good players, such as Almoez Ali and Muntari, and I have confidence in them,” said Regragui.
On the team’s training. he added: “The preparations for the league were divided into two stages. The first was without our 11 international players and we trained with foreign professionals and youngsters. After that, the internationals returned to the squad and we played friendly matches.
“We would have liked to have a longer preparation period together, but now everyone is ready. We know that facing Umm Salal will not be easy, but we are confident of our capabilities. And we are also happy with the return of our player Mohammed Muntari and all injured players.”
