Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre spoke to the media ahead of their 2020-21 season QNB Stars League Week 4 match against Al Wakrah.

“I assure you that the Al Wakrah match is difficult because in my view Al Wakrah are the surprise package of this season so far, which was clear from the first three weeks’ action. They have good players and a very good coach as well.

“The victory over Al Wakrah last season does not mean anything because the past is not important in football. We must care about what is forthcoming. Al Wakrah are completely different from last season.

“There is no doubt that we need to win and for this we must perform at our best. Our performance is very strong and focused, so we can get the three points.

“The preparations for this match were good although we lost the services of some players to national team duty, but they have to honour international commitments.

“Regarding the stoppage period for the league, I cannot say if the break was positive or negative. And there were competitions, such as the Ooredoo Cup. I have to wait until we see the level of the team in the league,” said Aguirre.

Al Rayyan goalkeeper Fahad Younis said, “We stumbled at the beginning after we lost, tied and won only one match. We have confidence that we will be competing at the top. The Al Wakrah match will be the beginning of Al Rayyan’s return to victories.

“Nothing has changed in Al Rayyan from last season and I think the atmosphere is more suitable now to achieve something as we enjoy great fan support as well.”