Al Duhail coach Hernan Crespo spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 16 match against Al Arabi.

“We fully know the importance of this match, but it is more important for Al Arabi, who will strive hard to reduce the points difference. For us, it is an opportunity to widen the difference between us and our direct competitor.

“We can consider the match as six points because winning it means increasing our lead by three points and deducting three points from Al Arabi, and we know that the match will not be easy.

“I do not consider the pressure of the matches as a negative thing for us, but rather it is positive because we compete in all tournaments. When I signed my contract with the club, it was to be with the team in the finals, as the team reached the Qatar Cup final and semifinals of AFC Champions League, and we compete for the league championship. Ahead of us is Amir Cup competition.

“I will speak with the team doctor to find out the position of the players who are ready to play this match, as well as the injured players,” aid Crespo.

Al Duhail player Youssef Ayman said, “Everyone is ready to play against Al Arabi, an important match for the two teams – the league leaders and second-placed team. It will not decide the championship, but it can show the characteristics of champions.

“Everyone is ready for this match and we will play in order to achieve victory, because any loss will affect us. We must be in full focus as this match is crucial in our approach to win the title.

“I previously played with Qatar SC, but my presence with Al Duhail is different and my experience here is different.”