Al Arabi coach Luka Bonacic spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 15 match against Umm Salal.

“All games are more difficult at this stage. Umm Salal can pose a serious threat to any side in the QNB Stars League. They are physically and tactically a strong team and are breathing down Al Sailiya’s neck for the fourth position.

“We are prepared for this match in a better way than we could earlier in the league campaign. We have changed some players and some new players have come in.

“The changes had reflected on our results and performance in the second phase. We drew two matches and lost to Al Duhail only by a one-goal margin. And our display against them, the league leaders, was commendable.

“Our main problem is the players’ mentality. That should change though I know it is not easy to change. In many games which we either drew or lost, we scored first. So that means there is nothing wrong with the players’ physique or technique. They must stay fully focused throughout the match, especially in the last 20 or 25 minutes,” said Bonacic.