Al Ahli players take part in a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Al Ahli coach Borja Jimenez has warned his players against repeating their mistakes as they look to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat to Al Wakrah when they face Al Gharafa in tomorrow’s Qatar Stars League clash at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium.
Jimenez said Al Ahli must show greater focus and improve their performance against a strong Al Gharafa side as they aim to get their campaign back on track.
“We made several mistakes against Al Wakrah, which cost us the match. We have worked on correcting these errors in training and must learn from that defeat,” the Spanish coach said at a press conference yesterday.
“Al Gharafa are a strong team, regardless of their results in the previous two rounds. We must be more focused on winning and securing the three points.”
Jimenez described the Round 7 clash as a “no mistakes allowed” game, stressing that his players would need to maintain a high level of concentration and performance to secure victory.
“We have full confidence in our players and their ability to deliver a strong performance. Everyone understands the importance of this match, and we are ready to fight for the points,” he said.
Al Ahli made a decent start to the season but their defeat to Al Wakrah left them seventh in the standings with seven points, one behind Al Wakrah and two adrift of fifth-placed Al Shamal.
Jimenez said victory would bring his side closer to the top six, with the longer-term ambition of breaking into the top four.
“The first step is to get closer to the top six, and then our ambition will be to move towards the top four,” he said.
Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Inglizi also stressed the need to learn from the defeat, warning that Al Gharafa’s position in the standings should not be taken as an indication of an easy contest.
“Facing a strong team like Al Gharafa requires focus and complete adherence to the coach’s instructions. We know where we went wrong in the previous match and must avoid repeating those mistakes,” he said.
Al-Inglizi said he was eager to prove himself in goal, adding that the players would work together to meet the coaching staff’s expectations and secure a positive result.
Al Gharafa are 10th with five points and will also be looking to improve their position.
Al Rayyan lead the standings with 14 points, two ahead of Al Sadd, Al Arabi and Al Duhail.
