Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 11 match against Al Sailiya.

“After the announcement came that Week 10 matches were postponed, we started preparing for the Al Sailiya match. I think it is good for us to regain the services of three players after their national team duty and another injured player, and it is also good that we had time throughout the week to prepare for the match.

“Al Sailiya could have scored more points from their first seven matches, but they could score only four points. In general, all matches are difficult. I know that they are at the bottom of standings, but they have good players in all departments, therefore it will be a difficult match like all matches in the First Division.

“The return of our international players is a very good thing for us. If everyone talks about the importance of having outstanding foreign players, then I am of the view that Qatari players are more important, as was evident from the fact that Al Sadd and Al Duhail lost many points in the first seven matches this season due to the absence of many Qatari players in their ranks,” said Marquez.

Al Wakrah player Hazem Shehata said, “I wish we beat Al Sailiya. We are ready for this difficult match.

“After our return from the Gulf Cup in Basra, we quickly got involved in the team’s training in preparation for this match and I believe that the time was enough to prepare for the match.

“I hope we continue our good run, so we can occupy a top position in the table and remain in the top four, especially since we have been presenting good levels so far. The coach instils in us a winning culture, so I am very confident that the team will get back to the winning path.”