Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 13 match against Al Gharafa.

“The short rest before the matches was repeated again before the next match against Al Gharafa. The preparations for this match were limited to only two days.

“I tried to motivate the players and raise their levels of enthusiasm, because I realize how difficult the match is against a team of the size of Al Gharafa. Although they are in the middle of the table, they have distinguished players, therefore the match will be very difficult.

“Although the mentality of Al Wakrah team is always winning, we realize at the same time that this goal will not be achieved because it is impossible to win always, especially in view of the complete ranks of the competitors. But all we can do is that we go to every match in order to collect the three points,” said Marquez.

Al Wakrah player Ibrahim Sadiq said, “I hope we will achieve the same victories in the second leg that we achieved in the first leg, especially since we have the level that can strengthen our position in the top four and compete for one of the AFC Champions League slots.

“Our level as a group helps us always search for victories and regardless of the recent loss we suffered against Al Duhail, we have the ability to be back on the path of victories.”