Al Rayyan coach Leonardo Jardim spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 14 match against Al Shamal.

Jardim congratulated Abdulaziz Hatem, Bassam Al Rawi and all Qatar national team players on winning the Asian Cup.

“We will return to the league after a two-month break, which is a long period and the first match will be against Al Shamal, which is difficult. It is very important to win the three points to return to the first places in the table. In the first round, we faced some difficulties and setbacks, and Al Shamal match, which we will play on our home soil, will be the beginning of victories. There will be a series of victories, especially with the return of the players.

“The team's method of playing depends on the available players, regardless of the absences that the team suffers from, so we will work with the available players to achieve the victory we hope for,”said Jardim.

Al Rayyan player Abdulaziz Hatem said, “I think the last stage was a new preparation period and for us we lost some matches in the first leg, so it will be the beginning. New, we have 10 matches, each match will be important for us in order to get closer to the leaders and reduce the difference in points.

“As for the Al Shamal match, it will be difficult. In the first leg, we played a strong match against them, leading 4-1, and we suffered from some problems as they scored two goals, so I expect it to be a difficult game, but our goal is to win three points.”