A struggling Al Arabi side take on Al Sadd in a derby match on Saturday evening. Al Arabi coach Edison Aguirre gave his thoughts to the local media ahead of the game. 

Opening up the press conference, Aguirre expressed his excitement ahead of the game.“The match will be good, I respect Al Sadd we are working with the side to improve our position and everyone has been working hard in the club to provide a big match against Al Sadd.”

“The feedback i have received from my team has been positive. We have excellent individuals, it’s a little bit critical but we have to come together as a team to overcome this challenge.” explained the Brazilian coach when asked about the cohesion of his side against Al Gharafa. 

Al Arabi have really struggled this season, and see themselves in the QSL relegation zone, despite their precarious position Aguirre believes his side has the capability to pull off an upset. “Each team has a responsibility to the fans along with the players, we need to give our all to improve the fortunes of the side.”

Aguirre also stressed that his side has to take one game at a time in order to improve their league standings. “At the moment each game will be a big challenge, we need to go step by step and hopefully we will improve our form. This starts with Al Sadd on Saturday evening.” 

Ending the press conference, Aguirre talked up his sides chances. “We have excellent players, at times we play well, and then we don’t play so well. We need to improve and make our training is like our games. Now we have to focus on Al Sadd and back up our good work we have put in training and get a result.”

Al Sadd come into the derby game off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with bottom of the table Al Wakrah. Head coach Jesaldo Ferriera gave his thoughts ahead of the game. 

Reflecting back on the draw with Al Wakrah, Farriera conceded that it was a disappointing result for his side.“It’s not a problem for us to draw but our last draw with Al Wakrah it is our responsibility, as we conceded a late penalty. The last game was difficult to take and we didn't expect this but now we have to focus against Al Arabi in this match.” 

Looking forward to the derby, the Portuguese coach confirmed that winning was Al Sadd’s main priority. “It’s a derby and its important for the fans. I hope our fans will be supporting us against Al Arabi. Our aim is to win and close the gap on El Jaish. It’s a difficult match against Al Arabi regardless of their position in the table, they are a big team and they have fantastic players.”

“Four points is not a big difference in the title race, we have many matches to play in the season, and our aim as ever is to win the title.” Added the Portuguese tactician. 

Ending the press conference, Ferriera revealed that he was pleased at how is side is progressing. “We have played well and not so well at times, we are looking to progress game by game over the course of the season.”