Al Markhiya coach Madjid Bougherra spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 8 match against Al Sadd.

“All league matches this season are difficult, as all teams are trying to do something and we are, as well.

“Everyone realizes that Al Sadd are the leading team and are on top of the standings, and have high-quality players. The important thing now for us is the recovery process from our previous match, and to prepare well for this game in which I hope we will do something good. We have to trust the players and we play every match as a final.

“We realize that every match is different from the other and of course we are preparing for every game. We cannot reveal our plan that we intend to begin against Al Sadd, but as I mentioned previously, the team’s situation requires that we go into every match as a final with strength and enthusiasm.

“I know that we may face some moments of weakness at times and strength at other times, so we have to focus on the small details. The match against Al Sadd may be decided by the small details and whoever commits the least mistakes will win the match,” said Bougherra.

Al Markhiya player Tamim Al Muhaiza said, “The team is looking forward to winning the three points against Al Sadd despite the difficulty of the match.

“All players are ready for this match as one group and they know that the match is difficult for both teams. Al Sadd aspire to stay at the top of the league and we want to escape from the danger zone.

“We have good players, but due to the pressure of match schedule, we do not have enough time now to assess our situation in the league, and we deal with each match separately. We will double our efforts during the break.”