Al Duhail coach Hernan Crespo spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 8 match against Al Gharafa.

“We are ready for the resumption of the league championship despite the difficulties we faced in preparing players during the World Cup. On the other hand, we succeeded in discovering a number of young players who are the future of the team although we suffer from the absence of a number of our players who are with the national team. That will make us carry out a process of balancing between experienced and young players.

“I do not think about resting our international players who played in the World Cup as the team is having strong matches in the coming period. I must say that there is no designated place for a specific player in the squad and everyone must do his best in training in order to take the field. Now is the time for the club and everyone must give off his best to earn place in the starting line-up.

“Our matches against Al Gharafa are always difficult and I believe that the team is capable of playing a great match.

“We miss (Paolo) Edmilson a lot and he is not only one of the best players in the team, but also one of the best players in the league. He continues his treatment and we will certainly await his return and approval from Aspetar,” said Crespo.

Al Duhail goalkeeper Salah Zakaria said, “We are happy with the return of the league and the resumption of matches, and we are also happy with the return of our international team-mates, which will boost the strength of the team.

“We have been in a state of continuous training to improve the level of physical fitness as well as tactical exercises that brought everyone to the physical and technical condition. It will certainly help us in the upcoming matches.”