Al Duhail coach Hernan Crespo spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 20 match against Umm Salal.

“Another match whose outcome depends on us because we are the favourites to win and we will face a team we have previously faced in the league and in the Ooredoo Cup final. It was a difficult match and for this we must do a great job in order to win, and we must respect them.

“We are up against a team with high fighting spirit because they are looking for survival and to move away from the relegation zone.

“Being in the lead by two points is very good and it means a lot to me, and I and all the players want to win the remaining nine points. We have struggled throughout this season despite the difficulties we faced and we know that the next matches will not be easy because we will face two teams playing in order to stay in the league. And there is a match against Al Sadd,” said Crespo.

Al Duhail player Assim Madibo said, “The next round in the league brings us together with Umm Salal, who have an advanced performance and succeeded in appearing at a very good level, especially in the final of Ooredoo Cup. It was a difficult match.

“In order to win this match, we must reduce the mistakes on the field and implement the plan that the technical staff will put in place. We want to widen the points difference between us and the clubs that chase us and compete with us at the top of the standings.

“My absence was caused by injuries and often my desire to return in a hurry caused injuries. Now I have returned, thank God, and I do not have any injury.

“We at Al Duhail are fully aware of the great responsibility that rests on our shoulders and we want to regain the league title.”