Al Sadd's Akram Afif (centre) trains with teammates.
Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini has urged his players to bounce back strongly from their shock defeat to Umm Salal as the Qatar Stars League (QSL) title race tightens heading into the final rounds.
Al Sadd’s stunning 5-2 loss to Umm Salal allowed closest challengers Al Shamal and Al Gharafa to remain within touching distance. The defending champions still lead the standings with 38 points, holding a four-point advantage over their nearest rivals going into Round 19.
Mancini hopes the setback will serve as motivation for his players as they prepare to face Al Arabi today at Khalifa International Stadium.
“We are not happy with the result of the last match, but this feeling must be reversed by the players and we must give our best to secure the three points,” Mancini said at a press conference yesterday.
The Italian coach missed the Umm Salal match after being unable to return to Doha in time due to “a family medical matter”.
“The match will be very difficult and intense, and we must be fully prepared to achieve victory,” he added.
Currently sixth with 25 points, Al Arabi are targeting a top-four finish. They are two points behind Qatar SC and three points adrift of fourth-placed Al Rayyan.
However, Al Arabi are winless in their last three matches, losing to Al Shamal and drawing against Al Duhail and Al Gharafa.
Coach Cosmin Contra said the clash against the league leaders will require strong mental preparation.
“We respect Al Sadd as a great team and the league leaders, but our goal is clear – to return to winning ways and make up for our recent results,” Contra said.
“Al Sadd’s recent loss does not mean they have declined; on the contrary, it will motivate them to come into the match with a strong desire to make amends. This necessitates extreme caution and high defensive discipline from us.”
Al Shamal, Al Duhail set for thriller
Also today, the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium will host a high-stakes clash between in-form sides Al Shamal and Al Duhail, both returning to action after victories in their previous matches.
Al Shamal, who also have a game in hand, will aim to secure maximum points and further reduce Al Sadd’s lead after edging Al Wakrah 1-0 in their last outing.
“We are expecting a tough match against a strong team with top-level players and tremendous potential, led by a competent coaching staff,” Al Shamal coach David Prats said yesterday.
Coach Djamel Belmadi (right) with Al Duhail players during a training session.
“We are aware of Al Duhail’s strength, the experience of their players and their capabilities, but we are ready for the match. Our goal is to win and secure the three points to continue our impressive run this season and maintain our position near the top of the league table.”
Al Duhail moved up to seventh place with 24 points after a commanding 4-0 victory over Al Sailiya in their previous match. Coach Djamel Belmadi expects an even sterner test against Al Shamal.
“Al Shamal have been performing exceptionally well this season and are currently sitting in second place with only a few matches remaining. The match will be tough,” Belmadi said.
“The team will strive to win and secure the three points to continue our climb up the league table.”
No room for complacency:Al Rayyan coach
In another fixture today, Al Rayyan host Al Wakrah at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, with coach Artur Jorge calling for unity and focus after their recent setback.
Al Rayyan suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to relegation-threatened Al Shahania in their last match, and Jorge stressed that the team must respond strongly in the remaining rounds.
“We are not satisfied with the result of the last match against Al Shahania, and we are fully aware that there is no room for complacency in the upcoming matches of the league,” Jorge said yesterday.
“We are at a stage that requires the team to unite and work with one spirit, because we all represent one entity and our common goal is to finish the league in the best possible way.”
Al Wakrah, currently eighth with 23 points, are also seeking a response after losing to Al Shamal.
“Our objective in this match is to return to winning ways and secure the three points,” said Al Wakrah coach Vicente Moreno.
“The team has prepared thoroughly over the past few days and we know we will face a tough challenge against a strong team with outstanding players in every position. This match demands the highest levels of focus and discipline throughout the entire game.”
