Umm Salal coach Patrice Carteron spoke to the media ahead of their 2025-2026 season Doha Bank Stars League Week 2 match against Al Shahania.

“We played a great match against Al Gharafa and we were the better side for most of it, but luck was not on our side. In football, anything is possible and what is said about my substitutions being the reason for the loss is normal; it is part of the game.

“I have great confidence in the abilities of my players, the best is yet to come and that there is no need to worry. The league is difficult and anything is possible. It is natural that we will witness surprises in the first rounds. We were unlucky against Al Gharafa, but we are not looking for excuses. We must work hard and correct our mistakes, and I am confident that positive results will come soon,” said Carteron.

Umm Salal player Antonio Mance said, “I think the team played a strong match against Al Gharafa, but luck was not on our side. If we had scored the chances we had after the two goals, the situation would have been different. There are many positive aspects to build on and we must be stronger in the upcoming matches.

“We are ready to face Al Shahania. We have learnt from our previous mistakes. Al Shahania are a strong team with a strong fighting spirit, so we must fight for each other and play with high spirit.”