Umm Salal coach Patrice Carteron spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 15 match against Al Ahli.

“Certainly, the Al Ahli match will be important and strong in view of the desire and enthusiasm of all teams to provide the best and we, in turn, are fully prepared for the match after drawing with Qatar SC and obtaining a point. It was a good thing because we faced a strong team that includes high-level players. We will do our best to win and get the three points in the match.

“Without a doubt, the Expo Stars League is strong and difficult, and all teams strive for the goal of winning and providing the best in all matches, and here lies the difficulty of the games, so we will work to provide our best.

“Our players always give heroic performances and I hope that we will be ready, especially at the psychological level, and enter with high concentration, as we have great confidence in the players to provide more.

“I was happy with the performance of player Lucas Joao and what he did in his first match despite not being fully ready. As for Andy Delort, he was an important leader and forward, and we now have a new player, and I am happy with him,” said Carteron.

Umm Salal player Lucas Joao said, “Of course, it is a good thing to score in my first game and this is part of my job. It is also good to help my team and my hope was to win my first match and get the three points. It was a good start regardless. We did not get the three points, but one point is useful and good against a strong team and competitor.

“I hope to win the Al Ahli match, get the maximum number of points in the upcoming matches and help my team score goals and win. We are ready for this important game and the victory will a great morale boost for us.”