League leaders Lekhiwya take on Al Khor on Thursday evening with the aim of maintaining their lead at the top of the QSL standings. Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi spoke to the local media ahead of the game. 

Belmadi opened up his press conference noting that his side are looking to improve on their draw with Al Khor during the first half of the season. “The first game against Al Khor we drew 2-2, and now we will be looking to do one better and get the three points against this difficult side."

Lekhiwya will see the trio of Yusef Msakni and Yusef El Arabi and Almoez Ali return to the side. Belmadi was eager to point out how this will boost his squad. “It’s not difficult welcome them back, they are two great players it’s good for the squad that they have returned. We still have players out through suspension still so the return of El Arabi and Msakni is a major boost for my team.”

Last time Al Khor frustrated Lekhwiya with a 2-2 draw in November, and Belmadi insisted that only three points was his target in the game.“I don’t like to loose or draw there is nothing special with Al Khor it will be a difficult game. If we have a difficult game my team are ready for that. We have shown that this season we can win all kinds of games now matter how tough, and that is the same objective again on Thursday.”

Belmadi ended his press conference praising the performances of midfielder Nam Tae Hee who has stepped up in recent weeks. “Nam has showed consistently he is one of the best players in Qatar, it’s no surprise to me that he has shown his quality week in week out in the league and helping Lekhwiya this season.”

As for Al Khor, they are currently in eighth place in the QSL standings and will be looking to get back to winning ways after enjoying a three game undefeated streak prior to their 1-0 defeat to Al Ahli last time out. French coach Jean Fernandez spoke to the media ahead of the game. 

Opening up the press conference Fernandez was eager to praise his league leading opponents. “Lekhwiya are the best side in the league, they have won fourteen times in the league and they have let to loose a game this season. They have many good players and that can cause every team problems, and we will have to guard against this threat.” 

“We have prepared the team well this week. We will try and trouble Lekhwiya and hopefully we can cause them problems like we did last time” added the French tactician. 

Fernandez ended the press conference noting that Lekhwiya will have to be well prepared to get the three points off Al Khor. “We played well against Lekhwiya in the first half of the season.  and it was an equal contest, this will give us confidence for this match. Lekhwiya will be careful of my side now, because they are fighting for the championship and they won’t be looking to drop points against Al Khor.”