Al Duhail coach Rui Faria said, “It is the final match. As everyone knows, it is one game that gives you the opportunity to win the title. We know that small details will be important, we have to be at the highest level of readiness technically and collectively, and also focused.

“We have studied our opponents, we have our dreams and we have prepared properly for this final. We realize that we have to play with high concentration especially since we are facing a strong opponent.

“We put a good performance in the Amir Cup final last season, as we played that match with one player for half an hour. But what the players did on the field and focus helped the team a lot. I do not expect a similar game. We have prepared well and we know that we are facing a strong team, so our target is collective display, which should help us win.

“Certainly, when you bring new players, they need time to gel well because the players get to know each other after many games. That will, in turn, help the coach implement his ideas fully, so we need more time to get to this stage. The new players have played and we hope they will soon settle into their stride.

“It is difficult when you do not have many options, but when you have a group of good players available, the question remains only about the readiness of players that you choose to start the match, compared to two months ago when we were suffering from absences due to suspensions, injuries, etc… We are now in a better situation.

“We know the Al Sadd team and its players’ potential, but when we analyze the matches, we focus more on what we offer as a team because it is always about the performance we provide and the conclusions that we take from the analysis, regardless of the number of goals scored in those games,” said Faria.

Karim Bouadif said, “It is not the first time that we face Al Sadd in the final. I agree with the coach that small details will be important, but if we avoid mistakes,  we will be close to winning.

“Generally, in football, the team that controls the midfield wins. I know Al Sadd players. I played with them in the Qatar national team, we know that this team prefers to take possession of the ball. My advice to my team-mates is to be organised and also to play in their distinctive style.

“Mario Mandzukic (new recruit) is wonderful. He has rich experience, but it is difficult for the player to get adapted quickly when he joins a new team. We expect him to give us an additional value in the coming games.”