Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 18 match against Al Sailiya.

“We lost to Al Duhail in the last match. Of course, I am disappointed. We played against a team that was better than Al Rayyan, but that match is over and we have two important matches. The first is in the league and the second is in the Amir Cup. Preparations will be very important and we need to win.

“We miss many important players, but we also miss scoring. In football, when you score, you have the opportunity to win. If you score and you have luck and do not concede goals, you can win 1-0 or 2-0. The problem now with Al Rayyan is conceding goals. And this is not the problem of defenders only, but the team as a whole. We did not score many goals and we have a big problem in attack. I am working to help players regain focus and get back to winning ways,” said Blanc.

Al Rayyan goalkeeper Saoud Al Hajri said, “The players are not satisfied with the team’s results of late. Of course, facing Al Sailiya, even if they are at the bottom of the standings, will be difficult and we need the three points. We are looking forward to give off our best and that is our duty.

“There will not be a significant impact of loss to Al Duhail on the team. Al Rayyan are not their usual selves since the beginning of the season. That has affected us for a long time, not just in the last match. We have to forget the past, look to the future and try to give off everything we have every week and every match.”

“The good thing is that the players will provide 100 per cent of the performance and everything they can do under the circumstances the team is going through. We wish we get the three points.”