Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 6 match against Al Duhail.

“We are looking forward to achieve victory and collect the three points. Happy for this match, because if you don't concede the goals, you win. In the future, we have to continue with this work and we want to defend better, so we will work a lot.

“Last year, the defence was not bad because we had the third or fourth best defence in the league, but this year we have a problem with this line. I don't know why, and I think we need to work, attack and defend well.

“I work with the players all the time to address the errors and I think the players are working to solve this problem. We are working permanently and I hope that we will be better in the future because we need to do our best.

“Our new recruit, Colombian player James Rodriguez had a slight muscle problem and was not ready to play. Now, he is much better and training normally, and I am happy with the work he is doing. He worked a lot last week and we can see him in the Al Duhail match. It is good news for him, Al Rayyan and me because he is a great player. I think it is good news for everyone who loves football because he is a very good player and we will see him against Al Duhail,” said Blanc.

Al Rayyan player Yohan Boli said, “We need to win and then we will see what we will do against Al Sadd in the Amir Cup final.

“Everyone is waiting for me to score in matches, but the best for me is to play with the team and work to win. As far as James (Rodriguez) is concerned, he is a great player. I do not know if scoring will be easier for me or not, but playing next to a player like James gives more opportunity to score.”