Al Markhiya coach Abdullah Mubarak spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 19 match against Umm Salal.

“All players fully feel the responsibility on them and the importance of the Umm Salal match, and the matches that follow until the end of the season.

“The importance of the match with Umm Salal lies in the fact that we will face a direct competitor, therefore the points are very important.

“Al Markhiya are ready physically, technically and mentally, and are fully prepared to play the match. Both teams know each other, but our team needs to fight strongly and with great focus until the last minute of the match.

“I focus on my team only, we are occupying the eighth place as a promoted team to the first division, and our team will work to improve its position by rising to the seventh and then the sixth place,” said Abdullah Mubarak.

Al Markhiya player John Benson said, “The team’s preparations for the Umm Salal match are going on well and the players will make every effort on the field.

“We will do everything in our capacity to present an honorable level, achieve a positive result and win the full points.

“The team is losing the services of a great player (defender Ayoub Azzi), but it is certain that the technical staff will push the substitute player who will complete the defensive line.”