Al Arabi coach Younes Ali spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 2 match against Al Duhail.

“Given the short time between the two matches, the most important thing was the recovery of the players and the strong preparations for the Al Duhail match.

“We achieved an important victory at the expense of Al Wakrah. The first match is always difficult and we were not satisfied with the performance in a large way, but the result was the most important thing at this stage. Especially since the players made a great effort and I hope that we will take advantage of the spirit and desire from the previous match, especially since Al Duhail are a strong and experienced team in the league and we aspire to do better than in the first match and get the three points.

“There are injuries in both teams. We have 28 players on the list ready and we will utilize them for the benefit of the team. Whoever deserves to be in the main formation will be the ones who work hard during training.

“In order to win against Al Duhail, we need to focus, reduce our mistakes, avoid the mistakes of the previous match and develop ourselves day after day,” said Younes.

Al Arabi player Aron Gunnarsson said, “The time factor did not allow for full training and everyone works in the spirit of the team in pursuit of the club’s desired goals and to satisfy the loyal fans of Al Arabi.

“Al Duhail are always a strong competitor for us, but we are ready for the match, especially since we got the three points from our first match. So it will be an interesting match that we look forward to and have prepared for it as much as possible. To beat Al Duhail, we need to be strong as a team, and not allow them to approach our goal, and we must take advantage of every opportunity we have.

“I always wish we finish in the top four and play the AFC Champions League. Al Arabi Club has a great history and tradition, so we have to work hard to restore the pride and do what the fans want us to do.”