Al Duhail coach Hernan Crespo spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 9 match against Umm Salal.

“We went through a normal week of preparation during which we carried out a number of tactical and technical exercises. I know that our team is the best in the standings, but we have to show that on the field and that will help us get the required result.

“Our victory over Al Gharafa in the last round was good for us, especially since it came after a long break. Now we are facing a new match that will not be easy, which will make us work hard.

“I am very sad because of the injury of defender Ruben Semedo in our previous match and also the absence of defender Mohammed Moosa. But now he has returned and may be present with us in the coming period. These absences will not affect the team because players like Yousef Ayman and Mohammed Al Nuaimi made a mark for themselves,” said Crespo.

Al Duhail striker Michael Olunga said, “My priority on the field is to help the team achieve victory, whether by scoring goals or contributing to implementation of technical plan set by the coach.

“A difficult match awaits us against Umm Salal and we must be fully focused in order to show our strength and emerge from the match with another victory.

“As a striker, the most important thing for me is to score goals, but more important is to implement the coach’s strategy and help my team win whether I succeed in scoring or not. Victory of the team in every match remains our goal.”