Al Kharaitiyat French head coach Marchand assured the assembled media that the team will play against Al-Shamal and look to win. This win will give the players strong motivation with the launching of second phase of the league. He pointed out that the competition is tough in QSL this season, perhaps the most competitive league in years.

Marchand added in the pre-match press conference: “It is true that Al-Shamal drawing with Al-Sadd is as good as winning, so they are already eager to win. We are also coming from an important draw against El Jaish which gives us confidence too."

“Al-Shamal improved during their recent three games and the match against them will be very tough and I believe that whoever can keep concentration will win.” he said.

 Marchand also said that the team’s only aim is to win to improve their ranking in the league table.