Al Ahli coach Nebojsa Jovovic spoke to the media ahead of their 2020-21 season QNB Stars League Week 22 match against Al Duhail.

“I have full confidence in the abilities of my players. I have loved working with them since the beginning of the season. My players feel the importance of this match and the necessity of doing well against a side like Al Duhail. 

“A good end to the season is very important for a team like Al Ahli. We are in a good position in the league standings and are looking forward to staying in the top four as we can be one of the teams to represent Qatar in the AFC Champions League for the new season. 

“The fighting mentality of Al Ahli players gives us balance. Our fighting spirit and great physical fitness of the players is what we intend to use to take advantage of the great opportunity that is looming for Al Ahli's presence in the AFC Champions League. 

“I am very happy to work with this group of players. We always strive to be in our best form – physically and technically. There is positive energy in the camp. My team can achieve the desired goal from this match also. 

“We do have a slight concern though - a number of our players are suffering from physical exhaustion after a big match against Qatar in the last round. Players like Omid Ebrahimi, Abdulrasheed Ibrahim and Nabil Al Zhar are suffering from physical stress, not injuries,” said Jovovic.

Al Ahli goalkeeper Yazan Naim said, “Al Duhail are one of the strongest and biggest teams in Qatar and the Asian continent. But as a team, we have a match that interests us and a goal we are fighting for. We want to win staying in the top four.

“We have closed the chapter of our match against Qatar SC last week. We should have won but managed a draw as we wasted many scoring opportunities. At the present time, our focus is on the Al Duhail match.”