Al Duhail coach Luis Castro spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 8 match against Qatar SC.

“We respect Qatar SC and we are committed towards working hard in training. We have studied the opponents well and we know their strengths and weaknesses.

“I am not satisfied with the team’s performance in the last match despite winning. The performance did not satisfy me and did not satisfy everyone. Al Duhail performed well in five games, but there are some circumstances that we faced such as injuries, suspensions and the return of players from the national teams, but we are looking for quick solutions. To return to the outstanding performance in the first matches, we have been working for three months… Of course, we have adapted, but there must be a balance in our work with the players.

“Although Qatar SC won only one match, it is a team that has players at high levels and can score from the fewest chances. We must be wary of this team, which plays as a block, as everyone attacks and everyone defends.

“I consider the match as a travel trip that you must prepare well psychologically and mentally, and sometimes the preparation is not complete due to circumstances surrounding the general conditions of the team such as the beginning of preparation for this season. The team was not complete because all players were not present in the preparatory camp. Certainly, this had an impact on the harmony of the players with each other and with the technical staff,” said Castro.

Al Duhail player Abdullah Al Ahraq said, “We are ready to continue achieving victories in the league after stumbling in front of Al Wakrah. Qatar SC are a big team and include big names.

“The team is going through a period of decline in level and we did not provide the required performance against Al Shamal, but we came out with the three points and seek to correct the path in the upcoming matches.

“God willing, everyone who will play in the Qatar SC match will present the level required of him in order to achieve the expected result.”