Al Duhail coach Walid Regragui spoke to the media ahead of their 2019-20 QNB Stars League Week 19 match against Al Gharafa.

“After dropping points against Umm Salal, we are in a position that requires more hard work to rectify the negative aspects, but there are positives that we should not ignore. We had the ball possession during most of the match and we played with our style. That was important.

“We trust in our capabilities, we have to think about the next match and we know that Al Gharafa game will be difficult because they are a strong side. They are in the fourth position and they have come back well after the break. As I said before, no one will give us gifts, everyone wants to beat Al Duhail.

“In order to win the title, we have to provide a better level than in the previous round. Some players, such as Luis Martin and Mohammed Muntari will come back, we hope Bassam Al Rawi will return especially after Ahmed Yasser’s injury so that the team will be better this week.

“Al Duhail are now leaders in the table, with two points’ difference with the second-placed team. It is better to be at the top of the table than being in another position and chase the leaders. Now it is not easy, we need confidence and patience. We have to fight and play without pressure, and I have big confidence in all players,” said Regragui.

Al Duhail goalkeeper Mohammed Al Bakri said, “The team is ready to face Al Gharafa in the 19th round. We are not happy with the draw against Umm Salal. Certainly, we entered the stadium in order to achieve victory, but that did not happen and we lost two points. Our preparations to face Al Gharafa went off perfectly and everyone is ready to score a win.

“Al Gharafa are a team that we respect. But whether it is Al Gharafa or any other team, we will work to achieve victory and collect all remaining points. We will work hard to win the title.”