Umm Salal coach Talal El Karkouri spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 13 match against Al Sadd.

“I will try hard to correct the situation and the most important thing is the psychological factor of the players. This is what I focused on during the training sessions in order to raise the morale after we retreated to a position that was not commensurate with the capabilities and history of the team that previously competed in the AFC Champions League.

“There is nothing impossible in football and facing the holders in this round differs from the previous stage of the matches that the team played, and every player tries to strive to provide what is required.

“Every player is unhappy with the position occupied by Umm Salal and we hope to achieve a satisfactory result in the 13th round, and we will do everything in our power and strive.

“Umm Salal are a great team and presents distinguished levels throughout their participation in tournaments. We seek a satisfactory result,” said Talal.

Umm Salal player Adel Rhaili said, “The team is determined to present a strong match and overcome the difficult stage. Every player understands the importance and sensitivity of the match against Al Sadd.

“With the arrival of Talal El Karkouri as coach of the team, all youngsters are determined to perform well in order to overcome this difficult stage that the team is undergoing in the QNB Stars League, especially since the current position of the team is not commensurate with the capabilities of Umm Salal.

“Of course, facing Al Sadd is important and difficult, but the players are determined to make efforts in this match to achieve a satisfactory result to overcome this stage and move away from the bad position. We are all staying confident.”