Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez spoke to the media ahead of their 2020-21 season QNB Stars League Week 16 match against Al Arabi.

“There is great harmony among the players. With old or new players, we have reached a good balance within our squad. The team in general is in good condition after the break we got. The training was very good on a daily basis and therefore I am very happy for that break.

“We were keen to achieve the largest possible gains during the break period but we have new players. I think they played one game with us and now they have adapted to training and learned how the team works and this of course, is better for us. The new players need more time to better understand how we work.

“Regarding Al Arabi team in their last few matches, they have changed some things in the way they play. It is a good team and has good players and they do well overall,” said Marquez.

Al Wakrah player Mohammed Imad Ayyash said, “Al Arabi are a strong, competitive and a difficult team. Our preparations for this match were strong and we are keen to collect the three points. Al Arabi have good players and Yousef Msakni is a great addition to them, but we will do our best to stop this dangerous side.

“The truth is that all matches we played in the last rounds, we were close to winning them, but luck was not in our favour. God Willing, we will return to victories with this match. I feel a quick adjustment with the team and the coaching or administrative staff helped me a lot.”