Al Ahli players in action during a training session.
Doha: Umm Salal will be looking to gain full points against Al Ahli as the Wesam Rizik-coached team targets entry into the top four of the QNB Stars League (QSL) table this season.
Umm Salal are enjoying a fairly impressive run this season, having placed themselves in the fifth spot in the table with 19 points from four wins, seven draws and two defeats with a goal difference of +4 (20 goals for and 16 against).
The former Qatar national player-turned tactician Rizik spoke admitted there is pressure on both teams in today’s match which at Al Ahli Stadium, but ready to take on the hosts.
“The match pressure is there on all teams, which is normal, and this does not constitute a burden on us, but rather increases the players’ enthusiasm and strength,” Rizik said.
“The Al Ahli match is difficult after two new professionals joined them and we are ready with strength and all the players will take the field with high concentration. Now our goal is to win and get the three points,” the former Qatar midfielder said.
“The upcoming matches will be difficult, so we will deal with each match separately, especially since all the upcoming matches are strong because the teams want to improve their positions. Therefore, we will take each match step by step and our results will decide our position. We will not think about the top four,” he said.
Al Ahli, meanwhile, are currently placed eighth in the standings.
Al Ahli, coached by Nebojsa Jovovic, have collected 13 points from two wins and seven draws and have suffered four defeats.
Despite their average show this season, Jovovic is not ready to give up when his team plays at home.
“We are looking forward to collecting points and moving in the path of positive results. Umm Salal are a team that has improved a lot under coach Wesam Rizik, who is doing a great job and achieved very impressive results with four consecutive victories, although the last match was a draw. But that means that they are a strong and cohesive team, so they deserve respect and appreciation. We will play against them with full focus in order to win,” Jovovic said.
“I have full confidence in our players and their ability to provide a distinguished level. We prepared for the match according to the available time and worked so that the team will be ready in the best possible way. We have a group of new players and we must employ them according to the time and circumstances in order to face one of the best league teams at the moment,” the Montenegrin said.
The day’s second match will see Qatar SC and Al Shamal meet at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Qatar SC are ninth in the table with 12 points (three wins, as many draws and six defeats) from 12 matches after missing action in the previous round.
Their Week 13 match against reigning champions Al Sadd was postponed after a number of Al Sadd players were tested positive for COVID-19.
Al Shamal, coached by Moroccan Hicham Jadrane, are also on 12 points from three wins, as many draws and seven defeats, but are placed 10th due to the goal difference.
