Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi spoke to the media ahead of their 2025-2026 Doha Bank Stars League Week 17 match against Al Sadd.

“Of course, after every match and due to the pressure of consecutive games, our first goal is to recover before the upcoming matches and commitments.

“It will be a tough match against Al Sadd, as always. Over the last 15 seasons, you will notice the close results between the two teams, but we have managed to win eight titles while Al Sadd have won six, which reflects the clear competitiveness in matches between the two teams.

“I expect a strong match from both sides. We do not know the nature of the game, whether it will be a cautious or open affair, but it is impossible to predict easily in such high-stakes matches. Let us wait and see what this anticipated encounter will bring,” said Belmadi.

Al Duhail player Boubakary Soumare said, “We play many matches and after each one, the priority is recovery in preparation for all upcoming competitions, as the coach has confirmed.

“ We are now starting to get into the swing of things and prepare for the Al Sadd match. Of course, all matches are tough, especially the upcoming match against Al Sadd, which has a special competitive edge.”