Lekhwiya midfielder confident his side can lift the QSL title this season

Qatar international midfielder Luiz Martin is expecting a tough test for his Lekhiwya side when they take on big spending Al Arabi in the QSL match of the week for round five. The feisty midfielder spoke with QSL online to get his thoughts ahead of the Friday evening match at Lekhwiya stadium.

Lekhwiya have started the QSL season in fine form, playing some of the best football in Qatar. Martin admits that the side has changed their mentality over the summer break;

 “Something changed after losing the title last season. We have changed our attitude and regained our confidence back, Lekhwiya has always had good, technical players capable of scoring anytime and I think we are showing that now at the moment.”

Looking back at the previous run of games Martin concedes that Lekhwiya need to improve defensively. “We have to concede fewer goals, take the Gharafa game we scored five yet let in four goals, this has to improve. It’s clear that we can keep the ball very well but can make mistakes at the back.”

“On the other hand I think we have shown that step by step we can improve defensively. Take the match against Al Wakrah that was a place last season that we lost at and we got the win. The team hit the target of three points, and now we move to the next game against Al Arabi” claimed Martin, when asked about Lekhwiya’s 3-2 victory over Al Wakrah in round four.




​Central to Lekhwiya’s attacking strength have been the pair of Nam Tae Hee and Yusef El Arabi, who were signaled out for praise by the four time QSL winner.

“For me Nam is the best number ten in Qatar. He is good with the ball, yet also very comfortable without and helps defensively. Nam really aids to the balance of this side.”

“Yusef El Arabi is a killer in the box for us. Before we created plenty of chances but failed to score, now with El Arabi we have a play that can finish them off. He has settled well at the club and in Qatar, I believe he can be top scorer this season.”

Turning his attention to Friday’s opponents Al Arabi, Martin is expecting a challenge against The Dream Team. “It’s never easy to play Al Arabi, especially now that they have changed so many of their team this season. Ezekiel has returned to the side and looks dangerous for them. With all respect to Al Arabi my side must focus on their job and we know that if we keep to our task we can get all three points.”

Bringing the interview to a close Martin claimed his side is capable of relifting the QSL title. “Our team is in good shape to fight for all three titles in Qatar. I think that everyone knows that Lekhwiya was frustrated when we lost the league last season, we want our trophy back.”

Can Luiz Martin help his Lekhwiya side maintain their undefeated streak against Al Arabi? You can pick up tickets for the QSL match of the week here.