Al Wakrah head into their spotlight  match against Al Ahli in the relegation zone and badly in need of a win to boost their survival hopes. Wakrah head coach Kais Yâakoubi & midfielder Mouhcine Moutouali spoke to the local media ahead of the game. 

“All matches are important, especially when you loose now we are playing a relegation rival in Al Ahli. I am expecting a reaction from my players after the defeat to Al Kharaitiyat and we need a positive result” noted the Tunisian coach when asked about his sides defeat to Al Kharaitiyat. 

Yâakoubi  was eager to stress that his side must consistently start picking up points in order to avoid relegation. “We have to pick up points, thats the most important thing. In our situation right now that is the priority. As a coach I am only looking at the performance from my squad and I aiming the best every time.”

“The atmosphere in the club with the players is good. Myself and the players have a good relationship, we have some tactical issues. I know that if we get two wins in a row we can get out of trouble. I am optimistic that we can put together a run and get out of the relegation zone” added Yâakoubi when asked about the team spirit of the side heading into the game. 

Whilst  Al Wakrah playmaker Mouhcine Moutouali believes his side have the qualities to battle out of the relegation dog-fight. “It will not be easy, but the players are ready to battle. We have to show our fighting spirit, we have to forget the defeat in the last game. The whole squad has a responsibility to help the side in the situation we are in.”

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As for Al Ahli they have dropped into the relegation zone and under coach Yusef Adam they have only won once in ten games. The Qatari coach spoke to the media ahead of the game. 

Opening up the press conference Adam stressed that his side can pull themselves out of the relegation zone. “The players have confidence, but they know the situation that they are in. Against Al Sadd we played well and where unlucky, we need some luck but I am confident our fortunes will improve. The season is long, we will improve in time especially in attack.”

“Al Wakrah are much better now that they have a new coach. They lost last time and I am expecting a reaction from them especially at home we will have to be at our best in defence” added the Qatari tactician when asked about his opponents on Saturday 

Ahli have so far made three signings in January and Adam is confident that they can improve the side. “The new signings for the club can only help us in the situation, they will give us extra quality in midfield and attack and that are they areas we need to improve in at the moment.”

As for new signing Ali Ferydoon, he revealed his excitement to be playing for Al Ahli. “I am happy to join a big team in Al Ahli. The coach started me after just signing, and that gives me plenty of confidence. I believe that we have the quality to improve ourselves in the league.”