Umm Salal coach Pablo Machin spoke to the media ahead of their 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League Week 11 match against Al Arabi.

“I am happy to lead a team the size of Umm Salal. The team has prepared well for this match and we worked with the players to increase mental focus because I believe that Al Arabi is a strong team and has distinguished elements.

“This match is important to me personally, as it is his first in the league after assuming responsibility.

“Despite the absences that the team suffers from due to injuries, I trust the cohesive group of players. After taking over the task of training Umm Salal, which is a big club, my goal is to work hard and struggle to provide levels and results worthy of this distinguished club. Despite the short period in which I assumed responsibility, I noticed the players’ enthusiasm and great desire to achieve the best.

“I trust my team’s capabilities and we are capable of achieving the best. I believe that all Umm Salal players will make a great effort to prove themselves in this match and restore the winning rhythm,” said Pablo Machin.

Umm Salal player Adel Alawi said, “We realize the strength of Al Arabi and their position in Qatar football. It is a strong team with many capabilities, and despite the circumstances it is currently going through, we will enter the match with strength and a desire to achieve victory. The match against Al Arabi will be difficult, but we have prepared well and will work to achieve our goal, which is to win.

“We will try to implement the plans of new coach Pablo Machin, who led the team’s training during the past period, and we seek to prove ourselves in front of him. We will do our best to return to victories.”