Al Wakrah coach Jose Mauricio on Thursday admitted Qatar Stars League (QSL) giants El Jaish will be a handful when the two sides clash in round 20.
 
“It is going to be a very tough game which also comes during the final stages of the Qatar Stars League," Mauricio said on Thursday.
 
"We are playing against one of the strongest teams in QSL, who defeated Al Ain (UAE) in their initial campaign of the AFC Champions League which indeed will boost them a lot," he added.
 
"However we are also ready for them hoping to achieve positive result,” he quickly said.
 
“El Jaish is a big team and they played well against Al Ain and achieved valuable victory away from home.
 
"The most important thing is what our players going to demonstrate in the field of play especially following the recent defeat to Al Gharafa. I have huge confidence in the players," Mauricio said.
 
Mauricio said Al Wakrah will rely on self-confidence during the preparation for the tie along with superior technical and physical readiness.
 
"If the players presented their true performance, Al Wakra will be a very tough team to overcome. We have learned for our mistakes in the previous matches,” he said.
 
Commenting on the absence of influential duo Rúben Amorim and Mouhcine Moutouali, Mauricio said: “Both are key players for our team, but indeed I will do my best to compensate their absence.”
 
El Jaish head coach Sabri Lamouchi wasn’t able to attend the pre-match press conference, being away with his team in the UAE.