Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 5 match against Al Ahli.

“I think that there are many reasons that made us lose points in the last two rounds. The two biggest reasons in the last match were that we kept making big mistakes. In the last match, in 35 seconds, we made a big mistake. Earlier, we conceded an early goal. We keep making mistakes. I hope we don’t repeat those mistakes in the next match.

“If we commit such mistakes, we will concede goals. The second reason is that there are a large number of injured players with us. We have a few ready players, but we miss many important players because of injuries. We have to get these players ready as quickly as possible. I think we succeeded in overcoming the problem of losing focus by adding some players to the team. We can win the next match against Al Ahli.

“Everyone, starting from the coach, journalists and fans are waiting for the new players. We have got two good players, but I think that they are not ready for this match. James (Rodriguez) has a slight muscle problem and is not ready. That is why it is very difficult to have James playing the Al Ahli match.

“In the coming weeks, I will meet with the medical staff to see the extent of Steven Nzonzi’s possible return because for two months he has not played any official match. We have to wait. I will talk to him and certainly he will be with the group sooner than later. I do not know if he can start or not. The two new players have not signed with Al Rayyan to play a game or two, but to play throughout the season. I hope the mistakes will fade at the beginning of the next game because we need some points and for that to happen, we need to play really well,” said Blanc.

Al Rayyan player Hashem Ali said, “The players are fully focused on themselves and not Al Ahli. We lost against Al Sadd and have had draws so we have to win the next match and get our first three points in the new season.

“We know that it was difficult for us not to win in the last round, but when you look at the level that was presented by us in the last match, you will see that we kept possession of the ball for a long period of time. Now we are in a difficult moment but we will play together as a team. We have players like James, Steven and Ahmed Yasser, and with their return, we hope Al Rayyan will return to winning form soon.”