Al Kharitiyat head coach Amar Osim was eager to insist that his side will not repeat his sides 7-0 humbling by Lekhwiya in the first half of the season. Speaking at the pre-match press conference for the match he said.

“We will have to make up for that previous defeat, Lekhwiya are one of the best sides in the league and will be a major challenge for Al Kharitiyat.”

Osim also confirmed that Kharitiyat will be without influential striker Hassan Abdel-Fattah for the match against the current QSL champions. “He will not play this week, but we will see if he can be available for next week.”

Osim also insisted that his side was readied for the second half of the season. “Our break went well, many of our squad improved their fitness, I think this will help us in the second part of the season. “

“I would also like to congratulate Qatar on their progress in the AFC U23 championships, they now have the change to go the Olympics and I wish them the best against Iraq.” Said the Bosnian tactitian.


 
Lekhwiya head coach Djamel Belmadi insisted that his sides 4-1 victory over Al Sadd counted for nothing as the second half of the season was about to start.

“We now have to focus on the league campaign and finish as high as possible. The gap to the league leaders is big, but Lekhwiya is used to fighting for titles we shall battle to the very end.” Explained the former Qatar national team boss at his sides Pre match press conference.

Belmadi  also revealed that his side will be without two crucial players for the match against Al Kharitiyat. “Our team will be without Ahmed Abdul Maqsoud and Luiz Martin for this week. This is a big loss in midfield, but I have faith in my team that we will be able to get through this difficult match. “