Al Wakrah coach Miguel Angel spoke to the media ahead of their 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League Week 1 match against Al Ahli.

“The camp preparations were very good as well as the equipment. There were some challenges at the beginning due to some players joining the camp later, but in general, I am happy with the preparations. Of course, we are at the beginning of the season and we have new players who need to adapt.

“The opening match is always difficult for all teams due to the lack of sufficient information regarding the players’ performance on the field, and for this reason there is difficulty in the first match due to the lack of information. But in the current situation we have an idea because we faced Al Ahli in a friendly match in our preparations for this season, but there are new arrivals to the club and this constitutes an important challenge, but in general the focus is on us and what are the things we can do.

“I have been here in Qatar for years and I know the changes that have occurred in the league. There are many changes, new players with a better level, there are many players that I used to train in age groups and now they are in the professional stage and are distinguished by high levels, so I see it as an excellent opportunity for me, to have a new experience and another adventure, and a different challenge. In general I am happy to be here and happy with the new experience, especially in a big club like Al Wakrah, who have developed a lot during the past seasons,” said Miguel Angel.

Al Wakrah defender Lucas Mendes said, “The team’s preparations for the start of the new football season went off well, whether during the overseas camp period or in the period following the camp.

“We know that we will have very difficult matches as all teams have new players and some teams have new coaches, like the situation we are in. This is something new for us and we have prepared very well, and are ready to play the first match.

“Since we have new players and a new coach, it is natural that we have a new way of playing. I have been here for five years, so I know the team well and I help the new arrivals adapt quickly. As I said, we are ready for the first match and I hope to get the three points.”