Al Arabi coach Cosmin Contra spoke to the media ahead of their 2026-2027 season Doha Bank Stars League Week 9 match against Al Ahli.

“We face a difficult challenge against a well-organized opponent that has been performing well this season and holds a genuine ambition to climb the rankings. We have moved on from the Al Rayyan match although we displayed a high level of tactical discipline, dominating possession and performing as the better side. We lacked the final touch and decisiveness in front of goal, which cost us two points.

“We have no choice but to enter the match with complete focus, impose our style of play from the very beginning, score goals and secure the victory we desperately need at this stage,” said Cosmin Contra.

Al Arabi player Wassim Keddari said, “The squad is fully prepared for the encounter. Every player understands the responsibility they have to return to winning ways. The match against Al Ahli is crucial for us. Every player knows that we urgently need these points to make up for the previous round and move up the table.

“We respect Al Ahli, but our primary focus remains on ourselves and on executing the coach’s instructions with precision.”