Al Rayyan coach Nicholas Cordova spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 20 match against Al Sadd.

“Facing Al Sadd is strong and difficult, especially after the opponents’ outstanding performance in recent matches and Al Rayyan’s level as well. For us, we will fight in this match to win points and get out of the team's current situation.

“Qatar Clasico matches always have special features, regardless of the preparations of the two teams, as they are of a great enthusiasm, but the team must be 100 per cent ready, and we look forward to appearing at a good level.

“When you are in a difficult situation, it is very difficult to get out of it, as some minor mistakes caused negative results, and the team deserved a better position than this in the table, but these difficulties exist and we seek to overcome them in the upcoming matches,” said Cordova.

Al Rayyan player Ahmed Abdelmaqsoud said, “The Al Sadd match (Qatar Clasico) has a special character, regardless of the preparations of the two teams.

“The game will be at the same level of competition between Al Rayyan and Al Sadd, with a different goal for each team. I expect the competition to be great and I hope to come out with a positive result, which is victory.

“The current situation of the team expresses itself and there must be responsibility and reaction for the team, and for me I consider the last matches the most important, because winning the last three matches, if achieved, would be better than winning the previous matches.”