Al Markhiya coach Madjid Bougherra spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 15 match against Al Wakrah.

“Al Wakrah are strong competitors, but the match is important for us, like all league matches.

“I know that the Al Wakrah team is having a very good season, and last season it finished among the top four in the league, and it is a team with very good capabilities, and they have confidence and are fighting for the title, but we need to work.

“In football, when you are in a lower position, you always strive to win in order to gain more confidence. This is our goal in the match in which we hope to provide the best.

“As I said, we did not have the opportunity to get all players from the beginning of preparation. Some players joined late, and the harmony was lacking, which I hope will come more quickly, and this is what we are seeking,” said Bougherra.

Al Markhiya player Ruben Semedo said, “The team is preparing for this match well, both physically and technically, and we still have time to strengthen these preparations. We are confident of getting the three points in the next match, God-willing. This is the goal of the players. And I really feel like the team is in good shape.

“At a personal level, since the first day I arrived at the club, I received a great welcome from all my teammates and club staff, and this certainly makes adapting to the new club very easy, and I really feel good, and I can give more to the team. This is what we all work every day.”