Al Duhail coach Christophe Galtier and player Ahmed Abdelmaqsoud 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 Arabi at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium of Qatar Sports Club on Friday, December 20, 2024.

“The final against Al Arabi is of great importance to the team and everyone is looking forward to winning the championship.

“The team is missing the efforts of more than 12 players due to international commitments. We made a great effort in the last match after it went into extra time, but we focused on the physical efforts to prepare the players for the final and we hope to win our first championship this season.

“The team has 6 to 7 young players who will be on the list to rely on and I hope that we will appear at the desired level and cap the great efforts we have made since the beginning of the tournament by winning the title.

“I am trying to combine young players with experienced players, especially since the team made a great physical effort against Al Wakrah. We tried during the past days to improve the game and focus on the physical and psychological side as well to prepare the team in the best possible way.

“Al Arabi, despite having players at the highest level, did not provide the desired level and appeared in the form they were last season, but they are capable of improving in the second leg of the league and presenting a good performance,” said Galtier.

Ahmed Abdelmaksoud said, “The final matches do not favour any team and the chances are therefore equal, as both teams have international players at the highest level. So we have to do our best and, God-willing, the result will be in our favour and we will achieve victory.

“Since the beginning of the tournament, we have been dealing with it with all seriousness and focus with the aim of achieving what is required in every match we play, and I hope that our efforts will be capped with success and that we will win the cup.”