Al Markhiya coach Abdullah Mubarak spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 18 match against Al Gharafa.

“The upcoming matches in the league need redoubled efforts and focus. We will play these games as if they are cup matches and each match has its own importance.

“It’s true that we lost to Al Rayyan in the last round, but they are a big team and have good players. We could score more than one goal against them. The players felt that they had the ability to compete with big teams such as Al Rayyan, who strengthened their ranks with foreign professional players from Japan, Morocco and Chile. However, we have turned that page and are looking forward,” said Abdullah Mubarak.

Al Markhiya player Hisham Kamal said, “The team’s preparations are going on well and all players are fully prepared for the match after the good preparation that began after the Al Rayyan match. The physical, technical and psychological levels have increased.

“Al Gharafa are a great team and we respect them very much. They include distinguished players at a high level and we studied them well, our team is fully prepared for the match.

“I was absent from the squad for a while due to my injury and this is a matter in football. I will work to make a comeback into the squad stronger.”