Al Rayyan take on Al Sailya on Friday afternoon knowing that a win will maintain their grip on fourth place in the QSL standings. Lions head coach Michael Laudrup spoke to the media ahead of the game. 

Laudrup opened up the press conference stating that Rayyan’s 1-0 win over Umm Salal was important for his side. “It was a tough game against Umm Salal, but it was a good test of our character in losing two players and still coming away with the win. We can learn from this game."

“It’s important for us to come back and remain in the top four and a win against our opponent will help us. Al Sailiya was my first game as Al Rayyan, it was 1-1 and we had lots for chances to win the game we will have to be more clinical this time around to get the three points” added the Danish coach during the Wednesday morning press conference. 

The reigning QSL champions have won  thee of their last four games and Laudrup is targeting more of the same against Al Sailya. “I think that we know we have created plenty of chances and not scoring as many goals. The players are working hard in training, we have won four of the last five games so if we can continue that form that would be good for us.”

Al Rayyan have slipped some way from their title winning side this season, and Laudrup was eager to stress his sides aims for the season ahead. “The target of the top four is the aim of the side moving forward. It means we can qualify  The bigger picture is to be in the top four and maintain Al Rayyan’s status as a big side in the QSL. In this moment the gap from the top spot is far away, so we have to aim for the fourth spot.”

Laudrup ended his press conference praising striker Sebastian Soria in his performance against Umm Salal. “Sebastian came in and did really well in the final twenty five minutes. He won the penalty and created a number of chances. He showed a good example for the other players.” 

As for Al Sailya they have been teetering to the QSL relegation zone in recent weeks and will be looking to frustrate Al Rayyan again. Peregrines coach Sami Trabelsi chatted to the media ahead of the game. 

“Al Rayyan have some of the best attackers in the league. They have improved in recent weeks, I know they will be missing some players for the game, however they are the champions and they have quality throughout their squad” noted the Tunisian coach. 

Trabelsi was also eager to stress that his side steps up when taking on the QSL champions. “It’s kind of a derby for us. Unfortunately my team tends to play well against the top sides and not so well against the team lower in the league. We will need to change this in the second half of the season.”

“I have asked my players to play with a fighting spirit and full concentration when we take on Al Rayyan. We showed his fighting spirit when we last played Al Rayyan, and we will need more of the same against Al Rayyan on Friday. Added the Tunisan coach during the Wednesday morning press conference.  

Al Sailiya are close to the relegation zone, however Trabelsi was quick to dismiss his side are relegation contenders. “We are not under pressure. The players know the competition, and what we expect from them. Right now we are having issues in the final third in creating and scoring goals and I hope that this can be addressed in the transfer window.”