Al Rayyan coach Bulent Uygun spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 18 match against Al Shahania.

“We played several games in a few days’ time and even won the AFC Champions League play-off against Iran’s Saipa. However, we lost to Al Sadd in the domestic league. Now, we are meeting Al Shahania.

“The game will see the return of Rodrigo Tabata and Mohammed Juma from their suspensions, but Omar Barri and Daniel Goumou are still recovering from injuries. Besides, striker Sebastian Soria will also sit out suspended.

“We want to beat Al Shahania, so we can leave for Saudi Arabia with a good frame of mind to play Al Ittihad in our AFC Champions League opener. I have confidence in our players and they will do what it takes for us to stay in the top four.

“Right now, our full focus is on the Al Shahania game. Then we will think about the AFC Champions League.

“There are some older players in our squad, but it happens in football. There are teams with older players and we are readying all players physically,” said Bulent.