Al Duhail’s Asim Madibo spoke to QSL Website on the 2019-20 season Media Day organised by the Qatar Stars League for QNB Stars League players.

“It’s a different season altogether, mainly because all teams strengthened their squads and that was very evident from the first week of action itself in the QNB Stars League. Obviously, the level of the game in Qatar has become higher and it’s getting more demanding a job. But I’m looking forward to it with much hope.

“Our pre-season preparations were good and our main aim is regaining the league shield. We hope it’ll be a special season for us. Our new striker Mohanad Ali is hungry to score goals. He’s young and he needs time. We, team-mates, are supporting him. He isn’t as experienced as Yousef El Arabi, but I’m sure Mohanad will compensate for his absence. 

“We also have Ali Jasemi in the right-back position. Above all, the return of Yousef Msakni has inspired us all. He has done big services to the team in the past and won many trophies. He’s a big name. He has put his injury behind him and is getting better after every game.

“The QNB Stars League is more interesting and at the same time challenging this season. The change of players was more noteworthy in clubs such as Al Rayyan, Al Arabi, Al Ahli and Umm Salal…

“We went through tough situations in our first game against Qatar SC. We were a bit demoralised after our exit from the AFC Champions League and defeat in the Sheikh Jassim Cup, both against Al Sadd. But thank God, we had a winning start,” said Madibo.