Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 17 match against Al Duhail.

“It is an important game for both teams because we need some points. So the two teams want to play good football and the best will win the match. We prepare the team in the same serious way and we have all the players, but it is a difficult face-off.

“The return of a number of players who were absent from the team during the last stage is an addition to the team. It should be noted that we had not played with a complete list due to many absences.

“At this moment, we have no chances of being among the big four, because the difference is very big. At this moment, we will focus on winning matches, step by step. We have the same problem as last year. Remember, we were behind in the standings, but we finished the season in the third place,” said Blanc.

Al Rayyan player Shojae Khalilzadeh said, “Al Duhail are a good team, have distinguished players and a good coach. We have a difficult match with Al Duhail.

“Al Duhail have very distinguished players, especially in the offensive line, and this is something that makes it difficult for us as defenders.”