Al Arabi will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on league leaders Lekhwiya in the final game of the weekend. New Al Arabi boss Osvaldo Olivera addressed the local media ahead of the game. 

Al Arabi will be without the trio of Wagner Ribero, Mohammed Jumma and Rami Fayez who have left the club, but Oliveria is sure he can replace them with the squad he has available.“I don’t know what has happened from my opponent. It’s difficult to have lost these three players, this has made my job difficult but I am trying to find solutions at the club. I have been here two weeks and in the short time I know what players I will be playing in this match.” 

“It’s difficult to say, we have nine games to play. We are aiming to improve the team, I see good players and good possibilities for a strong team in the future. Right now I cannot say where we will finish, after a few more weeks I will have a better Idea” added the Brazilian coach when asked where Arabi can finish in the league under his guidance. 

Osvaldo ended the press conference with a nod to his opponents and current league leaders. “Lekhwiya many good players, who represent the national team. What I have seen is that they have a good strong squad and I think that they can cause us problems. 

As for the league leaders Lekhwiya they maintained their undefeated streak coming from three goals down to draw with Al Wakrah last time out. Red Knights head coach Djamel Belmadi spoke to the local media ahead of the game. 

Opening up the press conference the Algerian coach “The match against Al Arabi will be difficult as they always are and my team will be ready, I know how they play but right now I am just focusing on how my team plays in this game.”

Lekhwiya head into the game with a host of key players missing through injury and suspension, when asked about the players who could potentially take part, Belmardi curtly replied “I trust my players and I trust the team to do well.”

The Lekhwiya boss was similarly short of words when asked how he prepares his side for the match against Al Arabi. “Prepare the team to win.”