Al Ahli coach Milan Macala spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Al Rayyan.

“First of all, congratulations to our rivals Al Rayyan on winning the Sheikh Jassim Cup, the season opener in Qatar. From our side, it is not easy to begin the new season. We only started our preparations on 1st of July. From the outset, we had problems. It is a complicated situation.

“Our professional players joined the squad only late and I hope we put up a better performance than we did last season. I also hope they all gel well with the team. We are trying to find out the best combinations that suit us.

“The new players in the squad must adapt to the situation sooner. I am sure they have the potential to do so. If all things fall in place, we can seek a better position. The fifth or even fourth spot is not impossible for us.

“Basically, we have to compensate for the short preparatory period and get the side ready for the tougher battles,” said Macala.