Lekhiwya take on reigning QSL champions Al Rayyan in the QSL match of the week on Sunday evening at Lekhhwiya stadium. Red Knights head coach Djemal Belmadi gave his thoughts to the local media on Thursday morning. 

Opening up the press conference, Lekhwiya head coach Belmadi revealed his excitement about the much anticipated clash."The next game against Al Rayyan, we are playing the champions. So it is a big game and we will face a good opponent. We know it will be a challenge after the international break so i think it will be a great game."

Last season Lekhwiya essentially handed Al Rayyan the title, losing 5-0. Belmadi insisted that the previous league encounter has been forgotten by his side. "We will not be thinking about the game we lost in the league 5-0. It’s a new story and the first game this season. We will find our motivation in taking the three points. My team feels confidant in these big games and three points will be enough for us.”

"It’s not a surprise that the champion this season will come from the top four teams. Our aim is to be champions, and we want to bring the title home. So this game is an opportunity to close the gap on the league leaders” Explained the Algerian coach when asked about the upcoming tie against Al Rayyan.  

Belmadi also revealed he will asses his squad ahead of the crunch Al Rayyan match."The international players have just arrived, and this is not the ideal way to prepare for such a big game, however we will judge their fitness in the next two days."

The Algerian coach also confirmed that players Ahmed Yassr and Yusef Msakni could be available for the Al Rayyan game. 

As for Al Rayyan, they headed into the international break with a 2-1 win over Al Ahli and are currently in fourth place in the QSL standings. Danish head coach Michael Laudrup, who will be returning to his former side gave his thoughts to the local media ahead of the game. 

"It’s a tough game. We will see a good game on Sunday, both sides have returning international players which will be challenging for both teams” admitted Laudrup. 

The Al Rayyan coach enjoyed one trophy laden season with the Red Knights, despite this Laudrup insisted  he will be giving his all to make sure Al Rayyan win. "Most of the players are the same at Lekhwiya. I know the team and the players, they are very good players. My period with Lekhiwya was good, however the past is the past. My present is with Al Rayyan and i will do everything in my power to make sure that Al Rayyan win the game."

"I know that Lekhwiya want to beat Al Rayyan, especially after the big defeat in the league last season. We have to be prepared for a tough game against them" explained Laudrup on the Thursday morning press conference. 

"We will try and see how the players are who have been away with Qatar. After rest today we have two days preperation with them, so we will see. This is something that happens with big teams, with strong squads, and we will have to adapt” added Laudrup when asked about his returning international stars. 

Laudrup concluded the press conference addimiting that he is expecting goals in the tie. "I have seen the games of Lekhwiya, they have conceded many goals this season. Which is surprising because they have a strong defence. I don’t think the game will end 0-0."