Al Duhail coach Christophe Galtier spoke to the media ahead of their 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League Week 5 match against Al Sadd.

“We must defend strongly and impose our usual style and continue to play in the tactical form that we are accustomed to, as we must have good possession of the ball.

“Of course, Al Sadd have good players at the offensive level such as Akram Afif in addition to young Brazilian Giovanni and our players must be careful, especially with the quick counterattacks that may pose a danger to our defence.

“The team is fully prepared except for the absence of Ibrahima Diallo due to the red card he received in the last match. We are still at the beginning of the league with only five rounds having passed, and Al Sadd have senior players with experience. There will be no advantage for either team over the other, but it will be a strong match as expected.

“The match against direct competitors, who are among three or four teams competing for the top this season, is an early summit in the current season,” said Galtier.

Al Duhail player Luis Alberto said, “I hope that we achieve the fifth consecutive victory so that we can stay at the top of the standings for as long as possible until we can win championships and titles this season.

“I am very happy to be with Al Duhail now, sometimes a person needs change, which is what made me leave Lazio. Of course, there are negatives and also positives, but I am currently enjoying a different life and I do not regret coming here at all as I currently enjoy what I am offering here compared to my time in Europe.”