Al Arabi will be aiming to kick-start their QNB Stars League campaign with a key win against Al Sailiya at home on Saturday evening. New Dream Team boss Kais Yâakoubi spoke to the local media ahead of the match. 

Opening up the press conference the Tunisian coach insisted that all is well in the Al Arabi camp after a busy summer of player recruitment. “We are one big family at Al Arabi this season, we have had problems off the field but these are behind us now. I feel we are building a good team which can make the fans proud.”

“I have great respect for Trabelsi, who has done a great job with Al Sailiya down the years. They have not changed much from last season, and this game will be a real challenge for my side. That said, I feel that we can come away with three points from this tough encounter” added the Tunisian coach on the chances of Arabi on Saturday evening. 

Yâakoubi ended the press conference thanking the Al Arabi club management. “I would like to thank the Arabi management in selecting myself for the coaching role. They appreciated the job I did with Al Wakrah last season in a tough circumstance. Now I hope that we can start the season strongly and get this great club back to the top of the league.” 

Al Sailya coach Sami Trabelsi has confirmed that his side are at full strength for their opening day encounter against Al Arabi. “We are ready, our camp in Tunisia was a success we played well in our friendlies and I feel that this is one of the best groups of players that we have had at Sailiya in many years. I hope we do well in the league” noted the Tunisian coach. 

Trabelsi was also quick to note that he is expecting a tough encounter against Al Arabi. “Every match in the QSL is tough, but especially against Al Arabi who have many new players and a new coach this season.” 

“We have a problem heading into the season with our goalkeeper. We will be going with a young player in Abdurahman Abdulaziz we are currently looking for another keeper to join us before the transfer deadline” added Trabelsi when asked about any squad issues heading into the match.