Al Arabi coach Younes Ali spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 6 match against Al Shamal.

“The preparations were good in the absence of international players. During our participation in the Ooredoo Cup, we were keen to push the largest group of players to raise the physical rate, especially players who did not play much in the last period. We are well prepared for the Al Shamal match and hope to achieve a positive result.

“All matches are important to us, regardless of the opponents, and I always talk to the players that every upcoming confrontation is difficult. Al Shamal are difficult opponents, they offer good football and high levels.

“Al Shamal have good players and we have to appear better than the previous match before the break and we must be fully focused throughout the 90 minutes in order to get the three points.

“Our professional player Marc Muniesa has recovered from his injury and he will be present in training. Ahmed Suhail has also recovered from his injury and is with the Olympic team in preparation for the upcoming friendly matches. We will see during the coming period the possibility of him joining the team,” said Younes.

Al Arabi player Abdulqadir Ilyas said, “The team’s preparations for the Al Shamal match went off in the usual way, such as preparing for any match the team plays.

“The Al Shamal match is important and we aspire to win the three points and compensate for the loss to Al Sadd before the break.

“We always have the potential to do our best, especially after the international players rejoined the squad. Our goal this season is to be in the top four. In every match, we aspire to win the three points and there is no easy match in the league.

“So far, I am not completely satisfied with my level. The beginning was difficult as I had a muscle injury and I hope to have the opportunity during the coming period to prove myself.”