Al Arabi coach Cosmin Contra spoke to the media ahead of their 2025-2026 Doha Bank Stars League Week 15 match against Al Shamal.

“We have a very important and difficult match ahead of us. Matches in the second half of the season are always decisive and leave no room for error. We need to win all three points to continue our progress in the league, but we are fully aware that the match will not be easy against an opponent with legitimate ambitions.

“Everyone in the team is fully prepared and focused. We have worked hard over the past period to prepare the team for this match and ensure we are in top form. We are striving with all our might to achieve victory to confirm our superiority and strengthen our position in the standings. This requires us to maintain high discipline and a fighting spirit throughout the match,” said Contra.

Al Arabi player Gerard Hernandez said, “We have a strong desire to deliver a powerful performance against Al Shamal. As players, we understand that the second half of the league does not allow for half-measures and every match we play is an opportunity to enhance Al Arabi’s standing and get closer to the top four.

“The fans’ support is a pivotal factor at this stage. My message to them is that we need their support in the stands. Their presence gives us the confidence and motivation to achieve the three points that are key to our ambitions in the next stage.”