Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi spoke to the media ahead of their 2025-2026 season Doha Bank Stars League Week 3 match against Al Rayyan.

He said: "Of course, the match against Al Rayyan is our third in the league. We haven't achieved any victories in previous matches, and facing Al Rayyan is always difficult due to the strength and large fan base of the opposing team.

“There are many reasons that led to the team's poor results at the start of the league, but it will suffice to mention one of the most important reasons: not playing consecutive matches during preparations for the new season, which may have led to a lack of harmony. We must play at our usual level and style on the field during matches from start to finish."

Al Duhail captain Bassam Al Rawi, said, "Of course, facing Al Rayyan, one of the most popular clubs, represents a great incentive for the players. But I remind you that we have also played big matches, both locally and continentally against clubs with large fan bases, and these matches are usually a great challenge for us to prove our abilities.

 "We are not under any pressure. All teams are exposed to such things, and it is possible to stumble. The team has some new players and our performance is improving from one match to the next. However, we will not wait long, and we hope that The Al Rayyan match is the beginning of Al Duhail's recovery and return to its usual level.”