Al Arabi boss Gianfranco Zola is expecting a reaction from Lekhwiya ahead of their round 18 Match of the week on Friday evening.  

“Lekhwiya are coming off the back of a loss to Sailiya, they will be looking to win again.” The former West Ham coach noted at his sides pre match press conference on Thursday morning. “I think we can build on the good performance we had against Gharafa.”

Zola also noted that the game will give his side the chance to leapfrog Al Sadd and get into the top 4 places. “We have spoken with the squad about our aim for the season, they know that if we win we will put pressure on Al Sadd, which is important for the overall aims of the side. “

Zola was coy when asked about the potential signing of former Chelsea team-mate John Terry. “John Terry is a good player and will have lots of different offers. Right now it is not right to talk about the interest in one player; however I respect Terry and believe he can offer something to any team that he joins.”

Zola concluded by giving an update on his team ahead of the Lekhwiya game. “We will be without Ashkan and Ali Jasmi for this match as they are suspended. However we will find ways to cover these players in our squad. The return of Paulinho to training will help us for this match.”




Lehwiya’s assistant coach Bruno Oliveira believes that his side can return to winning ways, despite suffering a shock defeat to Al Sailya in round 17 of the QSL. Speaking earlier today at his sides pre match press conference he said; “We will face a good side his week, but Lekhwiya is used to playing with high pressure, and I am confident we can get a good result.”

Oliveria is taking care of the side whilst head coach Djamel serves a match ban, handed to him in the wake of his sending off against Sailiya in round 17. Despite the Red Knights being without their coach on the pitch, Oliveria believes the suspension will make little difference. “Belmadi leads the team, but the squad is mature enough to win without him. I believe we have the confidence to win, they know what is required of them.

Oliveria concluded the press conference to address the rumours around Youseff Msakni who has been linked with a number of sides in China. “Rumors like this always dog big players. Msakni is happy and Lekhwiya is happy with Youseff.”