In-form Al Khor take on Al Ahli on Saturday afternoon knowing that a win will further boost their survival hopes. The Knights will be looking to maintain winning ways, French coach Jean Fernandez spoke to the media ahead of the game. 

Fernandez opened up the press conference, stressing that the match against Al Ahli will be a tough one for his side. “The win against Al Kharaitiyat gave the side plenty of confidence, but we have to say that the match of Al Ahli will be a test for us. Al Ahli have played well in the last two games against Al Wakrah and Al Arabi.”

“They have have reinforced the team well in January, so we will face a good team. Al Ahli played very well against Al Arabi, they dominated the game overall. We will have to be fully prepared for this” noted the French coach. 

The Al Khor boss also stressed that despite the good run his side are not out of trouble yet. “We have many points in the next matches to play for, we are not away from the relegation zone just yet, we are among the teams who are threatened by relegation, Ahli are a direct rival for us so we have to put in a performance.”

“It is difficult to say which four teams will go down this season. We have beaten El Jaish and Al Sailiya, and we have been on a good run. Today we have more confidence, I am concentrating on Al Khor, on this run we have developed a real quality and identity, Al Khor has progressed well, and now it’s important that we continue to get more points.”

Al Ahli come into the match against Al Khor in a similar vein of good form. A 4-2 derby win over Al Arabi have now pushed the Brigaders to sixth in the QSL standings. Qatari coach Yusef Adam spoke to the local media ahead of the game. 

Adam opened up the press conference revealing that he is looking forward to the match against Al Khor.“It’s a important game for us, Al Khor are also in a good moment and have done well this season. They have one of the best coaches in the league. I am expecting a good game from both sides who are looking to play football.”

“The win was good against Al Arabi and well deserved. I think the president and administration have done a good job i securing the players i needed. The new players will add much to Al Ahli, and I am expecting a different story from Al Ahli in the second half of the season” added the Qatari coach when asked about the new players who have been added to the Al Ahli ranks in recent weeks. 

Adam also stressed that he feels his side have turned a corner after registering back to back wins in the league. “We have to keep the same level of intensity that we did against Al Arabi. Our players need to be at full concentration against Al Khor, but i believe that our side now has shown a new focus in the last two games and we need to continue this good form we are win.”

The Al Ahli boss ended his press conference noting that he doesn't expect anymore signings to join the club.“I have good professional players in my squad. I have faith in them, and I believe that they can do a job for Al Ahli this season.”