DOHA: Qatar Stars League (QSL) sides will be put to the test of playing five matches within a short span of just three weeks but for Al Ahli coach there are added issues to sort out in their clash against Al Arabi tomorrow.
Coach Milan Macala said: “This season has had many stoppages and so we are forced to play five games in 20 days. We are playing as the away team and Al Arabi has bought some good players and they have done well this season.”
With regards to Al Ahli’s upcoming match against Al Arabi, the portly Czech said: “This is a derby as everybody knows. During this pause in the QSL we have sustained three injuries: Mashad has a broken leg and it will be a long time before he is back. Kabango and Mubarak are also out and won’t be involved in the round 11 clash.”
Macala added: “We know this is a crucial game against a team which has a similar level of quality and attacking style. We must win this if we want to continue to have a good season.”
Al Arabi coach Dan Petrescu said at a press conference yesterday: “The game against Al Ahli will be tough because they have one of the most experienced coaches in the league. Also Al Ahli has one of the best attacking duos in the league with Dioko and the rejuvenated Meshal Abdullah.”
He added: “Pablo Hernandez will probably not play because of the hamstring injury he suffered against Umm Salal before the break. He will start on the bench and then we will decide if we need to play him.”
In another match today, Al Wakrah host Qatar SC at 6:30pm.
Al Wakrah will take on Qatar SC today at 6:30pm in the Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium.
Qatsr SC coach Radhi Shenaishil yesterday said: “During this break we tried to prepare and keep fit. Al Wakrah is a good team, they have a new coach. We will try to create chances during the game and keep mistakes to a minimum.”
Shenaishil added: “This break has been good for the teams who had many injuries but for us it has been frustrating as we were playing well and had some good form. It has been difficult trying to keep the players sharp and focused during this break.”
Shenaishil said: “This period is difficult; we will have one game every four days so we must manage this carefully.”
Asked whether he would like to coach his nation Iraq in the Asian Cup, Shenaishil said: “Look I believe that I could do that if I was asked but of course it would depend on my club and if they would give me permission.”
Al Wakrah coach Bin Zakri said yesterday: “During this break, I tried to prepare my team physically, this was the main area I focused on. We know it’s going to be very difficult so we must give our maximum not only on this game but all five games in this short period.”
Zakri added: “We have a squad who is 80 percent ready, we played two friendly games, the first was with Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia. Sadly we lost both, the first game 2-1 and the second was against Al Fateh. We struggled again. So I am under no illusions that things will be tough this weekend.” He added: “We know how good QSC have been in the last few rounds, we will have to be at our best if we hope to get something out of this game.” THE PENINSULA
