Al Kharaitiyat take on Al Khor in the first game of the 17th round of QSL action. The Thunders are just out of the relegation zone in tenth place. Head coach Ahmad Al-Ajlani spoke with the local media ahead of the Friday evening match at Al Khor stadium.

Opening up the press conference, Al-Ajlani  stressed that the match against Al Khor is an important one for his side. “We are playing a direct relegation rival, and it’s a six pointer for both teams. We have prepared the team well this week and everyone knows that this will be a big battle against Al Khor on Friday.” 

The Thunders have won three of their last five QSL games, but Al-Ajlani insisted that points are the focus of his side. “We have made progress, in recent weeks. The important thing is that we need points to go up the table. In these situations, good performances don’t mean anything unless we don’t get any points.”

“Al Khor are in good form at the moment, they played well against El Jaish, but it’s all about how they play game not the form prior to it. We have to react appropriately and be ready for what Al Khor will throw at us” noted the Tunisian coach when asked about his opponents at his prematch press conference on Thursday morning. 

Al Khor head into the game on a high following a encouraging 0-0 draw with third placed El Jaish last time out. The Knights have only lost once in their last five QSL games and will be aiming to pull further away from the relegation zone with a win. Al Khor’s French coach Jean Fernandez revealed his pre-match thoughts to the local media on Thursday morning. 

Opening up the press conference Fernandez noted that his opponents have improved drastically in recent weeks. “We are facing a Al Kharaitiyat side in good shape at the moment. Anwar Diba has developed into the leader. They have two new professionals and I believe they are now complete in attack. We know how Al Kharaitiyat play, and our aim is to score more and beat this rival.”

“Both teams are similar, and are doing well in the league, only small details will decide the game. I don’t think we will be strengthening the side in January, we have a good squad and I will be using the players that I have at my disposal” added the French coach. 

Fernandez ended the press conference reflecting on his sides draw with El Jaish, noting that the result has put his side in good stead for the game against the Thunders. “The game against El Jaish was good for us, it gave us plenty of confidence. Now matches are different, with the emphasis is on us to win. Al Kharaitiyat’s last match against Al Arabi showed me that they are a strong side, but I feel that we can get a positive result and continue the run we are on.”