Lekhwiya will be looking to maintain their place at the top of the QSL standings when they take on Al Ahli in the opening game of round 25 of the QSL season. Red Knights boss Djamel Belmadi spoke with the local media ahead of the Thursday evening game. 

Opening up the press conference Belmadi insisted that the QSL title race is not over, despite Lekhwiya comprehensively beating El Jaish 5-1 last time out.“Maybe we have one hand, but not two hands on the trophy. We have to focus on our own performance and just concentrate on the game.”

“We have two games left for this season, our aim is clear against Al Ahli that we have to win both games to achieve our target of lifting the league title” added the Algerian coach. 

Belmadi also had a word for new signing Edgar Da Silva who came off the bench to score on his debut for his side.“Edgar will have a key role with us in the league and the cup competitions. I hope he will improve game after game, he has shown plenty of desire in training. He made a good impact against El Jaish and he will give us another option towards the end of the season.”

Belmadi concluded his press conference with a fitness update on defender Chico Flores.“Chico is still not available for tomorrow and the Champions League match, we are taking it day by day with him at the moment with the injury to his calf.”

As for Al Ahli, they have only picked up one victory from their last five QSL games. The Brigadeers will be looking to inflict Lekhwiya’s second defeat of the season. Yusef Adam revealed his prematch thoughts ahead of the match. 

Adam opened up his press conference stressing that this will be a important game for his Al Ahli side.“This will be a key game for us, we need the three points to pull away from trouble. We tend to play well against the bigger teams in the QSL, and I hope that we have a repeat performance against Lekhwiya like we did in the first half of the season.”

“We will have to be at full concentration if we are to get the result we need against one of the best sides in Qatar, we lost the last game at the very end last time so we have to be focused” added the Qatari coach when asked about his Thursday evening opponents. 

Adam ended the press conference insisting that Ahli will not be pulled into a relegation dog-fight. “The results are not following the performances at the moment, the players are doing well and putting plenty of effort in. We are not concerned about being relegated.”