Al Duhail’s new coach Walid Regragui, who has replaced Rui Faria, spoke to the media ahead of their 2019-20 QNB Stars League Week 14 match against Al Rayyan.

“We have made good preparations during the week, the players have made great efforts to realize that the coming period will be busy at the local and continental levels as our journey begins in the 2020 AFC Champions League.

“The game will be difficult despite Al Rayyan’s recent setbacks. They will certainly want to make a reaction. We must play with great focus.

“We respect Al Rayyan, but my focus is on my team and its performance against the team which is in the second place. I expect the game to be exciting and strong.

“Despite the difficulty of the game, we will fight with the desire to win so that we can remain at the top of the table.

“I know about Al Duhail’s project and their ambitions, but the focus now is on the Al Rayyan match.

“I need some time to implement my philosophy and know more about the players. They have great potential and strong determination,” said Regragui.