League leaders Lekhwiya take on Umm Salal on Wednesday evening in the first match of round 21 of the QSL season. Ahead of the tie at Al Gharafa stadium, Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi gave his thoughts in the game.

Opening up the press conversation, Belmadi stressed that his side were fully focused on the match. “We are heading into the Umm Salal tie at full concentration and we are aiming as ever to pick up three points again.”

“Umm Salal are a good side, who will be a major challenge for us. They are a tough side to break down, but we have no alternative to win in order to keep our lead at the top of the table” noted the Algerian coach.

Lekhwiya currently have a three point lead at the top of the standings, and Belmadi noted that he wants his side to be in good form ahead of their AFC Champions League match against Al Jazira. “Our focus now is on this league match and the need to get three points, and then we can look forward to the AFC Champions League in good spirits.”

Belmadi ended the brief interview with an update on his squad. “Khalid Muftah and Chico Flores will be absent through suspension, whilst Mohammed Muntari is a long term injury concern for us. We have a strong bench and my players will be able to step up and cover for these absentees.”  



As for Umm Salal they are currently eighth in the QSL standings and will be heading into the match against the league leaders off the back of a 1-1 draw with Al Ahli last time out. Orange Fortress coach Mahmoud Jaber spoke with QSL online ahead of the clash.


Opening up the interview Jaber was under no illusion of how tough the game will be for his side. “We are playing against the league leaders, who are fighting for the title. We must be at full concentration for Lekhwiya.”

“We played well in the last game against Al Ahli, and we will be looking to continue this positive sequence of results in the league” added the Egyptian coach.

Jaber added that his side will be without Captain Jawad Ahnash who will be out of the game through injury. “I have confidence in my team to play well; I believe we will need some luck if we are to defeat Lekhwiya.”

The Umm Salal boss ended the brief interview noting that he is expecting an exciting match on Wednesday evening. “Lekhwiya want to stay as league leaders and we want to keep our form in the league, it will be an interesting battle for the points.”