Qatar SC coach Youssef Safri spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 16 match against Al Shamal.

“Our last match against Al Sadd had different circumstances and despite the loss we were waiting for a better reaction, but the difficulty of facing a large and organized team like Al Sadd was there. However, we came out with a number of lessons that we greatly needed, especially that we presented what we had at a time when the two expulsions made it more difficult to make a comeback, but the players showed a high technical value that enabled us to follow up better.

“I would like to point out that some criticized the players for obtaining red cards, and in my role as responsible for the technical side of the team, I always stress the importance of playing with strength and manly performance, and not playing roughly or in a way that could harm another player. Had we completed the match without two expulsions, it would have been a positive result.

“Every match is different. Al Shamal are also coming to win and we have respect for all the teams we face, and in general we made our preparations for the match, and the players will get their chance to compensate after they showed competence. We also have an integrated group of key players and substitutes, and therefore we seek to earn points, especially since the season is long and needs to be focused.

“We will continue to progress step by step and I am proud of the players and satisfied with the performance despite the last result,” said Safri.

Qatar SC goalkeeper Sataa Al Abbasi said, “I thank my fellow players for the effort they made in our match against Al Sadd despite the negative result, but we benefited a lot.

“Now we have a new round and we have to strive and work to compensate, and for us as players we realize the responsibility that we have and we consider all the upcoming matches as a final. We develop positivity at psychological and technical levels, and we are proud of our level.”