Al Markhiya coach Madjid Bougherra spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 9 match against Al Ahli.

“We are waiting for a match that we consider to be worth six points, not just three points, against Al Ahli. The league championship this season is very competitive.

“We know the quality of this team and we realize that it is a difficult match for both teams, and desire will be decisive and important in this type of match, because you need to play it as a final.

“We have five matches before the end of the first leg of the season, so I spoke with the players that mentality, desire and enthusiasm will be more important than technical plans at this time of the season, because it is the last opportunity to get the largest possible number of points, and to prepare for the second leg in a more comfortable manner.

“Sometimes the international break is very good, especially when you already have a tournament, so it is a time to move forward and try something, and give the opportunity to other players. This is what we also did. We played a friendly match because we did not play the last match in the Ooredoo Cup,” said Bougherra.

Al Markhiya player Joao Teixeira said, “We are working well these days and the team is improving day after day. The players are striving hard for this match.

“I think that to get points in the next match we have to believe in our abilities as a team and we must be confident during the match. I hope we get the three points.”