Al Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimsson
Al Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimsson yesterday said QNB Stars League clash against unbeaten Al Duhail team won't be an easy one for his young side.
The Round 13 match will be played at Al Arabi Stadium today.
“It will be difficult for both teams. We are able to make things difficult for Al Duhail. At the same time, our opponents have not lost a game so far in the league and have outstanding players in their ranks," Hallgrimsson said yesterday.
“We had put up a strong performance against Al Duhail in the first leg and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The positive thing is that our players are well aware of the responsibility they have.
“In Al Duhail, there are big changes and they want to make a strong comeback, especially after their loss to Al Sadd in the final of 2020 Qatar Cup. We are mindful of all these matters and are ready for them.
“It is good that the Qatar Olympic team players have returned to the team’s fold. The presence of all players as well as strengthening of the ranks with Helal Mohammed from Al Khor is a good thing for the team. The new player has trained
with us and he is sure to provide valuable addition to our squad.
“We may miss the services of Morteza Pouraliganji and Abdulrahman Anad for this match. Pierre-Michelle Lasogga is also a doubtful starter,” said Hallgrimsson.
Al Duhail’s caretaker coach Bruno Oliveira yesterday said: "I have had the privilege to work with coach Rui Faria. He is a distinguished person, as a coach and as a human being. I wish him success in his future career."
He added: "The Al Arabi game will be difficult, especially because they have been doing well this season. But we are ready to meet them. We prepared the team well and we will enter the field with victory in mind.
“We will not accept another loss. Any defeat will leave everyone with a feeling of shock and sadness as we are used to achieving victories.
“When you achieve many victories, it means that you have a strong will. If you lose, you must recover quickly in order to get the players out of the sad situation. I am confident that our players have the ability to take the team to victory against Al Arabi."
Oliveira said one of his key players Bassam Al Rawi is still out injured.
“Bassam is still out of action with an injury. We will also miss Ismail Mohammed, who got injured during the 2020 Qatar Cup final,” Oliveira said.
Al Duhail player Luis Martin said: “I have trust in the team’s ability to make up for the loss in the Qatar Cup final and be back among the victories. The Al Arabi game will not be easy because the opponents have players with good levels.”
