Al Markhiya coach Madjid Bougherra spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 18 match against Qatar SC.

“Our match against Qatar SC comes before the international break and as is the case in every match this game is a final for us. We still have the opportunity in six matches to continue progressing and try to stay in the league as we want.

“Qatar SC are in a better position and they will try to win to avoid the pressure, but our team is seeking the three points.

“Every week we prepare well and work to recover especially in the holy month of Ramadan, in which all teams need a special programme. And, God-willing, we will be ready for this big match.

“Certainly when you face strong teams like Al Wakrah and Al Duhail, you lose a lot of energy because they perform very well. But I do not think that the matter against Al Shamal was related to physical readiness. We know that it was the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, so the matter was related to how to deal with the match psychologically,” said Bougherra.

Al Markhiya player Mohammed Khaled Al Nuaimi said, “The players are fully prepared for this match and are looking forward to win to compensate for the loss in the previous round.

“We are now in need of any point in the league, so the team will work to take advantage of all the opportunities that come to us in front of the goal. The team is not lacking in anything and, God-willing, we will provide what is required to achieve victory.”