Al Wakrah coach Marques Lopez spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 8 postponed match against Al Shamal.

“Of course, there is not enough time to prepare for that game, but I realize that this is the problem of all teams, not just my team. We are used to that after the Umm Salal match, we were forced to suffice with two training sessions, and everyone knows that the more the preparation time the better for the team. But we are used to it and we do not have any problem.

“Al Shamal are like the rest of the league teams, they witness periods of ups and downs, whether at level or in results. This season, no team appeared at a stable level, but I realize that it is a strong team. Therefore, we have to be careful while facing them.

“We have some important absences in this match, starting with Angolan Jacinto Dala due to suspension. And Salem Al Hajri, who was injured in the last match, in addition to Iranian professional Omid Ebrahimi,” said Marques.

Al Wakrah player Ismail Mahmoud said, “Despite the lack of time in preparations, this will not be an excuse, especially that we are also facing the same problem.

“I hope that we will be up to the responsibility and quickly return to the path of victories that stopped a long time ago. Al Wakrah have always promised our fans to be present strongly in times of distress and we have great confidence in the technical staff and in all players. God-willing, the Al Shamal match will be the beginning of our comeback.

“Missing easy opportunities by attackers is normal in football and it happens. We seek now is to increase concentration rates in training and matches in the hope that we will be successful in front of the opponents’ goal.”