Umm Salal coach Wesam Rizik spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 3 match against Al Wakrah.

“It is undoubtedly a difficult game against a strong competitor, but we were determined to appear in a manner worthy of us, and we prepared for it well and are ready to present a big match, especially since getting a point against Al Sadd in the last round would be a great motivation for the players. Most importantly, the point against the reigning champions is the fighting spirit in which the team appeared, it was a wonderful thing and a strong omen for the state of the team.

“All the team players are ready for the match and I have great confidence in the team to compensate for the absence of Abdullah Khafifi, who received the red card in the Al Sadd match. We will have a great reaction, especially since the Al Wakrah match will not be easy,” said Wesam.

Umm Salal player Joao Carlos Teixera said, “We are ready for the game and every player places utmost importance for this face-off, because it is a strong and difficult game against a large team that offers high levels during the past rounds. Therefore, we go into the match with great focus after a series of daily training sessions under the supervision of the technical staff.

“Al Wakrah are a good team and doing well this season with standout players, but we will make every effort to win the full points.”