Al Rayyan coach Younes Ali spoke to the media ahead of their 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League Week 9 match (Qatar Clasico) against Al Sadd.

“Al Rayyan vs Al Sadd matches are always difficult, exciting, strong and popular. The team that is more focused and exploits opportunities is more likely to win the match, and Al Rayyan are on the rise. We will be focused psychologically, physically and tactically.

“The team has a quick response and is developing from one match to another. We lack focus at the beginning of the match.

“Regardless of both teams’ rankings in the table, Al Rayyan vs Al Sadd matches are always difficult, and constitute a great incentive for the team that wins the three points, and a greater motivation for the coming period.

“We hope not to have injuries in this difficult stage during which we play every three days,” said Younes.

Al Rayyan player Rodrigo Tabata said, “The team is ready for the Qatar Clasico. It is a very difficult match and at this moment Al Sadd have the advantage because they are better than Al Rayyan in the standings, but I think this is the right moment for us to get back on the right track and regain winning touch. It is a special match that motivates us to win and get the three points.

“We will work to implement the coach’s instructions and focus on the technical way we will play. We have to do a difficult job and help each other because in the Clasico matches small details make the difference, we have to prepare for that to get the three points.”