Al Rayyan coach Leonardo Jardim spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 5 match against Al Wakrah.

“Al Wakrah are a very organized team and they have a strong defence. They are a stable team and have had a project for five years with the same coach. Al Rayyan are ready for this match to achieve the three points and the importance of this match will be very high.

“The absence of Abdulaziz Hatem is crucial as he is an important player and leader of the team, but we have a set of solutions through young players. What is important is to play with the same mentality with the players available for the match,” said Jardim.

Al Rayyan player Andre Amaro said, “I am returning from an injury that lasted for two weeks. I have prepared well and feels better. The Al Arabi match has become a thing of the past and we are thinking about the Al Wakrah match and must win the three points.

“Al Wakrah will be a difficult team, they have a very strong defence, but we are ready for this match in order to achieve victory.”