Al Ahli coach Nebojsa Jovovic spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Qatar SC.

“We have full respect for Qatar SC, just as we respect all clubs. Before that, we respect ourselves as a team that must provide the best technical level on the field. We have to show from the first match that we are a difficult team for the rivals.

“I have full confidence in the abilities of my players and knows that the season will be difficult and the competition will be exciting and strong between all teams in the league. At the same time, all clubs have goals and ambitions, in the form of either winning the title or competing for the top four, so the season will be strong.

“The season is a new challenge for us and we must give off our best on the field in order to delight the club’s fans. We have outstanding players and technical staff who do their work diligently. And the management supports the team continuously, so we should focus only on achieving success with the best technical level in the matches.

“Regarding the additions made to the team at the level of foreign professionals, I would say that changes always carry a kind of risk, which is normal in football as it is in normal life. But, we have confidence in the ability of our players to achieve success in the season,” said Jovovic.

Al Ahli player Ali Qaderi said, “We have been in a state of continuous preparations for the new season. We achieved fifth place last season and have greater ambitions this time around. The game against Qatar SC is equal on paper, as the two teams competed for the top four last season. So the match is a challenge for both teams to see their readiness for the season.

“I express my gratitude to the club management for entrusting me with captaincy of the team and I am proud of that. I hope to rise to the occasion and show more responsibility. As players, we look forward to getting points from every match.”