League leaders El Jaish will be looking to maintain top spot when they entertain a struggling Al Kharaitiyat side on Friday evening at Lekhwiya stadium head coach Sabri Lamouchi gave his thoughts to the local media.

Opening the press confernce, Lamouchi stressed that his side need to keep up the same intensity against their opponents. “The next game against Al Kharaitiyat, we need to play tomorrow with the same determination and application. We are in first place, but we have been lacking defensively and we have to improve.”

“I respect this team, they have changed players they are more physical, they have changed their coach and their situation is critical for them.Tomorrow will be a tough match for us and we need to start the game in the right way and our aim is for the three points.” explained the French coach when asked about Al Kharaitiyat. 

Lamouchi also stressed that the pressure will be on his side going into this game. “It is difficult to maintain top spot, and we now have a new challenge in working hard as a team during this run of games.” 

El Jaish will have six games over the month of December, and Lamouchi stressed the importance of looking after the players over this period. “During this period of games and recovery, six games in one month is many so we must take care of our players. We only have one pitch to train on, which leaves us at a disadvantage, but we are working on ways to improve our situation.”

Lamouchi concluded his press conference noting that two key players won’t be apart of the squad. “Seidou Keiya, Majid Mohammed are doubtful for the game. Anyway, we will put out our best side for the match against Al Kharaitiyat.” 

As for Al Kharaitiyat, they head into the game off the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Al Sailiya. Assistant coach Taufik Zaboub  gave his thoughts to the local media ahead of the Friday evening game. 

Opening up the press conference, Zaboub stressed his side are full of fight going into the game. “We are facing the league leaders who played in the Champions league, we respect them. We face El Jaish full of confidence after we showed fighting spirit against Al Sailiya.”

"We have trained well, the moral is high in the club. We need intensity and effort from our players from our team and they need to fight to improve our position in our table. Each point will help our fight in getting away from the relegation zone. 

“Our professionals have not been at the best so far this season. Unfortunately they where injured and they couldn't effect the side early in the season. Now they are getting better, and improving and we need to give them time to reveal their true potentials.” explained Kharaitiyat’s assistant coach when asked about the Thunders professionals players form this season. 

Ending the press conference Zaboub stressed that the management of the club believes in the new regime of the side. “ We have great support from the club management, and god willing we will be able to pull ourselves out of this situation."