Qatar SC coach Helio Sousa spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 14 match against Umm Salal.

“The league was suspended for nearly two months, and I think we performed well in the Ooredoo Cup and we were close to reaching the final, but we were not successful in the semifinals and lost on penalties.

“We have prepared well for the league and we are excited about the return of the tournament. We know that our match after returning will not be easy, especially since we will face a strong team, but we are looking forward to winning and getting three points."

“We must prove that this pause was good for us in order to return to the right path.

“Umm Salal are a team with quality players and they are very good in attack besides having a strong defence, but I am confident in the ability of The Kings players to rise to the occasion.

“We will try to control the match and give everything we have in order to achieve victory and collect the three points, which are of great importance to us in order to motivate us to continue the journey in the league in the desired manner.

“I ask the players to perform well during training and to play as one unit. When we play collectively, we are closer to victory,” said Sousa.

Qatar SC’s Media Officer Khalid Al Kuwari congratulated Qatar on retaining the Asian Cup.

“We congratulate our national team for winning the Asian Cup for the second time in a row, which is a great and honorable achievement for Qatar football,” he said.

Qatar SC player Abdullah Al Ahraq said, “The match against Umm Salal will be difficult, especially since it comes after a long break.

“Our preparations for the return of the league have been very good and we know that the first match after the resumption of the tournament will not be easy, especially since we will play against Umm Salal, but we are prepared in the best way and are excited to deliver a good performance that will contribute to giving us the victory and the three points.”