Al Markhiya coach Anthony Hudson spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 1 match against Al Rayyan.

“During the last stage, the team went through a strong preparation period that started in Doha, then the preparation moved to Turkey and continued there for 20 days, during which we played a number of strong matches that contributed to enhancing the physical and technical condition of the players. After that We moved to Doha to continue the preparations. The team is now in the required readiness to present an exceptional season.

“The old and new players of the team showed great harmony and all the players showed their capabilities and made good starts through friendly matches. We feel that we are very excited to compete in the league competitions. Through our opener against Al Rayyan, we want to announce ourselves and make a strong start.

“The focus of the technical staff and all players is currently on the league championship and we want to work together to play fun football. The most important thing is to achieve positive results and I am happy for the teamwork and enthusiasm shown by the players and the administrative and technical staff towards the team in a more than wonderful atmosphere,” said Hudson.

Al Markhiya captain Talal Ali said, “The players are seeking to present a positive result in their match against Al Rayyan and to show all their capabilities, especially as it is their first test in the new football season.

“The team's achievement of seventh place last season is a motivation to achieve a better position this time, to achieve results worthy of the name of the team. Over a long period of preparations, the technical and administrative staff provided all means of comfort that would enable them to appear well.”