Umm Salal coach Patrice Carteron spoke to the media ahead of their 2025-2026 Doha Bank Stars League Week 13 match against Al Shahania.

“After half a season, we have conceded 52 goals across all competitions, a number that is completely unacceptable, especially considering we are one of the strongest attacking teams this season. This discrepancy makes me saddened by the last loss.

“We must be as strong defensively as we are offensively; balance is the key to success and we need to reconsider some aspects with the new signings we are working on to strengthen the team in the coming period,” said Carteron.

Umm Salal player Cristo Perez said, “The match is very important for us. Al Shahania are direct competitors and we have trained intensely and effectively recently.

“We are focused on staying in the league and achieving victory because the points are absolutely vital and a win will make a significant difference in the standings between us and our rivals.”