Umm Salal coach Patrice Carteron spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 Expo Stars League Week 16 match against Al Shamal.

“Reaching the 19th point is tremendous because, as you know, the team finished last season with a score of 18, so obtaining 19 points at this time with 8 matches remaining in the league competition is a great motivation for the players. In order to move forward and provide a strong and wonderful performance and a great motivation for more victories.

“We played good matches and I am happy that the players are giving this performance and that they deserve praise for what they provide in all matches, praising the fighting spirit that characterizes the team and the wonderful performance that it presents throughout the matches.

“The Al Shamal match will not be easy in view of the game against a team that has a distinguished coach and players distinguished by their spirit and high physical fitness. Therefore, the match will be strong and we have great confidence in our players to what they offer in order to reach a better position.

“My team has motivation and we must enter the match with great focus, whether in this match or other matches,” said Carteron.

Umm Salal player Nasser Al Nasr said, “My team is ready for that match and hope to continue victories and progress in the league table. Victory in the last Al Ahli match is a great incentive for more victories and positive results. The team has strength.

“The goal I scored in the Al Ahli match gives me great confidence, and I am very happy with this goal because it came at a difficult time.

“We continue to provide the best during the league matches, and each match has its own calculations, and we go into the matches with strength, enthusiasm and great focus in order to win the three points.”