Al Arabi coach Yeray Rodriguez and player Helal Mohammed spoke at the Press conference held at the Qatar Stars League Headquarters in Al Bidda Tower on Thursday, December 19, 2024, ahead of their 2024-2025 season QSL Cup final against Al Duhail at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium of Qatar Sports Club on Friday, December 20, 2024.

“We prepared well for the match despite the short time and studied the opposing team and analyzed their style of play. Now the ball is in the players’ court to present their best in this match.

“I have great confidence in all players as Al Arabi are a distinguished team with a great history and always play for titles. The mixed fortunes in results happen in football and there is nothing to worry about, as the team is able to rise from its slump. The good thing is that the players’ morale is in a state that calls for optimism in this match.

“Regarding the absences, I would say that the team has 22 players and whatever the absences, the important thing is to focus on the existing group, and we hope to perform well and win this match,” said Yeray Rodriguez.

Helal Mohammed said, “The team’s presence in the final for the second time in a row is a good thing, but all players are looking forward to winning the title after losing out on it last season.

“We faced Al Duhail in the group stage and beat them. Cup matches are different than league matches and no matter the advantage on paper, that does not mean that one team is superior to the other. Chances are equal for both teams. We have great confidence in ourselves and our ability to achieve the title.

“Our team is ready and our aspirations are great in order to win the cup and we will try to do our best to win. Simple details will decide the title.

“The psychological aspect plays an important role during the match and we have the required motivation to provide the best. The team has been at the peak of readiness throughout the past training sessions and we must fight for our chances throughout the entire 90 minutes. Even if we go to extra time and penalty kicks, we are ready for all possibilities.

“We are clearly aware of our bad position in the league championship this season and that is not befitting the history of Al Arabi club and the good results it has achieved in the last five years. But we as players will do our best to get the team back on the right track. We have to focus first on the Al Duhail match in the QSL Cup final and after that, all matters will be discussed.”