Al Sailiya are currently in the relegation zone in eleventh place, with fifteen points from sixteen QSL games. Peregrines assistant coach Amine Farikh chatted with the local media ahead of their match against Umm Salal on Thursday morning. 

Opening up the conversation the Tunisian coach stressed that a win was needed to improve the moral of his side, following their 4-0 defeat to Al Rayyan last time out.“Each game is getting more and more important as the league comes to an end. After the defeat to Al Rayyan we are looking for a much better performance against Umm Salal. We are trying to close the gap on Umm Salal who are two points ahead of us. Only a win can improve our fortunes.” 

Farikh also reveleaed the club is set to make a further two signings in the coming days. “In football many things that can change a result of a game, injuries to two professionals  have pushed us to get players. We are currently waiting for the players to get registered and we will make an announcement in due course. I hope they will be ready in time.”

“No, it’s not a risk to buy these players, we have looked at their previous performances with their clubs and know they will fit in at Al Sailiyia. We as a club will continue to prepare them fully until it is appropriate for them to play for the club” added the Tunisian coach when asked about the risk of signing so many players in January.

Farikh ended his press conference stressing that the absence of Umm Salal attackers Yannick Sagbo and Mahmoud Al-Mawas have no difference on the outcome of the game. “It doesn't make a difference, for me we will have the same amount of players on the pitch. It is a consideration that they are both out, but it’s not our main focus heading into the game.

 

Umm Salal head into their encounter with Al Sailya in sixth place in the QSL standings. Mahmoud Jaber’s side drew 1-1 with Al Shahania last time out, and will be targeting a win despite having a number of key player absent for the game. Egyptian coach Jaber spoke with the media ahead of the Friday evening match. 

Opening up the press conference Jaber stressed that most of the QSL is concerned with relegation this season. “All the next games will be tough for us, they are like cup finals for us. Apart from the top five teams, every side is afraid of relegation. Our focus now is to take it game by game and aim to get a positive result. 

“This is the last game without Yannick Sagbo and Mahmoud Al-Mawas. We have able substitutes who have filled in well and did a good job, this week I have made sure that the whole squad is ready and fully prepared for the match against Al Sailiya” noted the Egyptian coach at the pre match press conference on Thursday morning.

Jaber ended his press conference setting out the priorities for his side in the match.“Al Sailiya have signed some new players, but I don’t know if they will play. As a coach, all I have to do is focus on how my team plays. The match will be a tight game overall, our priority is a clean sheet and knowing when to attack at the right moments.”