Doha, Qatar: Coach Djamel Belmadi and Al Duhail are eyeing full points against struggling Umm Salal to continue their push towards the top four in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) at Al Khor Stadium.
Al Duhail, currently placed sixth, are aware that any slip-up could further distance them from the top-four race, while under-pressure Umm Salal desperately need to win to escape the relegation zone.
Coach Belmadi stressed the need to return to winning ways after his side dropped points in their previous round, having drawn with Al Rayyan, but his team is hit by a wave of injuries.
“This is another important match coming after our game against Al Rayyan, which we did not win. Therefore, winning this match is crucial,” Belmadi said.
Belmadi highlighted the challenges the team faced due to injuries since the beginning of the season, and said he has a young team, made up of mainly from the reserves from the bench.
“These are circumstances I am experiencing for the first time in my coaching career. I have never faced anything like this before, even as a player. I never witnessed such a large number of key players being absent, players who directly impact the team’s performance. But we have to adapt to this reality,” Belmadi said
The Algerian coach also pointed to Umm Salal’s recent coaching change.
“We must also consider the fact that the opposing team has a new coach. The most important thing for us is to focus on ourselves and work on delivering the performance required to achieve victory in this match,” he said.
Al-Duhail, runners-up last season, have collected 20 points, while Umm Salal - placed last - have just nine from three wins.
Umm Salal’s new coach Ruben Albes said his players are aware of the task ahead.
“The team is aware of the challenge, but will play with high spirit to overcome it and achieve a positive result,” the Spaniard said.
“We are facing a tough match, but we will work hard to overcome this challenge. We are currently focused on significantly impacting the players both psychologically and technically. Each player has clear and defined roles on the field, and everyone is well aware of his responsibilities.”
“We believe in our ability to achieve victories in the upcoming rounds. The team has good potential, but we need spirit and confidence. Our current position at the bottom of table requires us to work even harder."
