Al Duhail coach Christophe Galtier spoke to the media ahead of their 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League Week 13 match against Al Rayyan.

“The match is considered as one of the summit matches and comes after the break, which is considered somewhat long, but we completed our preparations well despite the physical impact. The last match, specifically in the last 25 minutes, clearly showed the team’s physical impact, which affected the tactical factor in the match against Qatar SC, but we worked on addressing matters from the physical side.

“Al Rayyan played an official match during the break, which gives it an advantage in terms of readiness, and the new technical director added a new competitive spirit, in addition to the team’s superiority and distinction on the offensive side. We also have many strong players and everyone is working. We are definitely ready for the match.

“We will enter the match with all seriousness and focus as usual, I worked well with the assistant staff on how to recover the balls and impose our style and not allow the opponents to possess the ball for long periods.

“When you have the goal of winning titles, it will certainly be accompanied by some pressure, but if we win the remaining matches, we will be champions of course, the pressure is great and increasing and there are other factors including injuries, which are factors that certainly affect the stability of the team, and to face such challenges, everyone must be committed, whether players or the technical staff as well,” said Galtier.

Al Duhail player Benjamin Borrego said, “The match is between two big teams, but we have worked hard during the past period, as the coach confirmed, we strive to win the match and give everything we have. We will play against a distinguished team that has good players. As a midfielder, I have a big task on my shoulders, but I am ready for all matches equally.

“I am happy to be in Qatar. I quickly adapted to the atmosphere and found support from my teammates, which helped me integrate with the group. My family lives with me here, which certainly helped me adapt quickly.”