Third placed Al Rayyan take on relegation threatened Muaither on Thursday evening, last years QSL champions will be targeting a win to maintain their grip on third place in the QSL standings. Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup spoke to the media ahead of the game. 

Opening up the press conference, Laudrup stressed that he will be using his squad during this busy period of games.“We have four games in eleven days coming up, so I will have to use my squad. I believe my side has the quality to cope with this schedule. Players that have not been regulars have come in and done a good job for Al Rayyan.”

“My side has done well in the last seven games, but we still have a few more games to play in the league and we need more points to ensure that we finish in the top four places, which is the target” added the Danish coach.

Laudrup also noted that he expected a tough encounter for Al Rayyan against Muaither. “We are playing against a side who are fighting for survival, they will be wanting to do anything to survive. The first time we played them it was a tight game and we only won 1-0. I expect them, like all sides in the bottom of the QSL that they will defend well and look to take us on the counter attack. We have to move the ball quick and not commit too many in attack.”

The Al Rayyan boss ended the press conference talking up his sides performance in their last match, a 1-1 draw with Lekhwiya. “I think the last game against Lekhwiya was a good promotion for the QSL, the game was intense it had a good atmosphere, and it was a high quality match.”

 
As for Muaither, they are currently in the relegation zone and are fighting for their lives in the QSL. Stallions coach Phillipe Birol spoke to the media ahead of the game. 

Opening up the press conference the French coach revealed what his side has to do to get the result against Al Rayyan. “This match will be very tough for us, Al Rayyan have been doing well. I want my side to be very concentrated throughout the game, and organised in defence and crucially when we do get some chances we must take them.”

“Al Rayyan are on a tough run of games and we must be prepared for them. We must be a tough team for Al Rayyan and test them” added Birol at the Wednesday morning press conference. 

Birol ended the press conference outlining the points total his side will need beat the drop.“Twenty five points will be enough for survival. We need three wins in six games to be safe. We saw against Al Khor we where losing 2-0 and we showed good spirit to come back and draw. It will be a big ask for us, but we believe we can do it. I hope that we can get to the last game of the season against Al Ahli with a chance to stay up.”