Al Markhiya coach Abdullah Mubarak spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 3 match against Al Arabi.

“Al Arabi are the best team in terms of history, numbers and audience, and are the league leaders in two rounds, but on the field, the chance of winning will be equal to 50 per cent for each team.

“Al Markhiya, as a rising team, were able to earn the respect of the followers of the league, as well as the teams they played against, as they appeared well in the organization against the background of the good preparation at the camp. They have also shown good fighting spirit, until the last minute of the match. And if it was delayed in the first period, we came back strong in the second half.

(Against Al Arabi) We need diligence, focus, enthusiasm and perseverance throughout the match, and we should be an organized team because we are playing against a strong team. In any case, the match will be difficult for both teams.”

“Player Ayoub (Azzi) is an influential player but in the preparatory camp we prepared 20 players for the league in general, and we did not prepare the team for one match, and we trust in the capabilities of all players. The most important thing is to play with concentration and diligence because we are facing the leading team,” said Abdullah Mubarak.

Al Markhiya goalkeeper Louay Ashour said, “The team is ready to meet Al Arabi in the third round and all players are aware of the importance of the match and the need to present their best to achieve a result that leads us to reap the points.”