Al Wakrah head into their crunch match against relegation rivals Muaither in desperate need of a win, the Blue Waves have yet to register a victory in five QSL games, Kais Yâakoubi spoke to the media ahead of the game. 

Last time out Al Wakrah took a three goal lead against top of the table Lekhwiya before being pegged back to a 3-3 draw Yâakoubi was eager to stress that his side has forgot about the game. “It was a tough result to take, We looked good taking the lead and we fell back to a good Lekhiwya side. This week I have had to picked up the side, and we now have to preform against Muaither in a match which is very important for our season.”

“The players worked hard and did well against Lekhwiya, now they know that working hard will get us results in the league. Now against Muaither we need to have this same strong mentality in order to get the result we so desperately need from the match” noted the Tunisian coach. 

Yâakoubi  also explained that key absentees means that he may have to change his formation for the game. “We may have to change the system of play to cope with the absence of Maher Yusef. Right now the position that we are in we need everyone to be fit and ready to fight for Al Wakrah to ensure that we have the best possible chance to avoid relegation.”

Along with Maher Yusef the Blue Waves will be without influential midfielder Mouhcine Moutouali through suspension, and Yâakoubi called upon the players to focus on the task at hand. “My messages are always positive with the players, we have to be. I invite the fans to join us, and that we are fighting for survival. As for my players, I want them to exhibit control in the next few games and to respect the decisions made by the league.”

Whilst for Muaither, they are rock bottom of the QSL standings following a 6-1 defeat at the hands of Al Sadd last time out. Stallions coach Phillipe Birol spoke with the local media ahead of the Saturday evening game. 

Opening up the press conference the French coach pointed out the quality of his Saturday evening opponents.“The match is important for both teams, this is a final for my side we need points to survive in the league. Al Wakrah played very well against Lekhwiya, they fought well and really took their chances really well. This team has plenty of quality all over the pitch and we will have to be prepared.” 

“I was upset at how we played against Al Sadd, conceding five goals easily and I will be wanting a big reaction from my players against Al Wakrah” noted Birol when asked about his sides 6-1 defeat to Al Sadd in round 17.

Birol ended the press conference talking up his new signing N'Guessan Yessoh who scored Muaithers only goal against Al Sadd. “We will give our all to win this match, Yessoh has started his career with Muaither well scoring a good goal on his debut, we hope he can continue with more goals against Al Wakrah.”