Al Arabi coach Younes Ali spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 8 match against Al Ahli.

“Our preparations were good ahead of the return to league competition and we played more than one friendly match during the break.

“Despite the long pause, the team played a good number of matches, whether in the Ooredoo Cup or the FIFA Referee Cup, in addition to some friendly matches. We played more than five friendly matches, through which the team prepared well for the resumption of the league.

“The break was long and it was difficult for the players to focus throughout this period. But in general, I am completely satisfied with the preparation period, and the commitment and diligence of the players during training.

“Matches that come after a big break are always difficult at the mental and physical levels. The match will be difficult, especially since the competitors are Al Ahl, who are a distinguished team with good players, be they foreign or local professionals. They have technical and administrative stability. Al Ahli have home advantage, but we are well prepared for the match,” said Younes.

Al Arabi player Abdulrahman Enad said, “It was a great period of absence due to the arrangements for hosting the World Cup. We played a lot of matches during the break, in the Ooredoo Cup, FIFA Referee Cup and some friendly matches through which the players were able to maintain high levels and prepare for the return of the league.

“Al Ahl are a great team that presented good levels before the break, and have outstanding players. However, we are well-prepared. We will play the match with high spirit and our goal is three points.”