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<p>Al Arabi’s Brazilian attacking midfielder Diego Jardel has not had a very good start to his first season in Qatar. Nevertheless, he has been contributing to the team’s cause, and excels in both offence and defence.</p><p>Jardel spoke to QSL Online mainly about their high-profile match against Al Rayyan in Round 8 of the QNB Stars League, new coach Luka Bonacic, who replaced Qais Yaakoubi, and his ambition with Al Arabi.</p><p><strong>How’re the preparations for the Al Rayyan game going with new coach Bonacic?</strong></p><p>The mood in the team camp is good ever since his appointment. All players are doing their best with the aim of making a turnaround in our fortunes and also put up a strong performance against Al Rayyan.</p><p><strong>What’s your expectation of the new technical staff?</strong></p><p>We’ll work hard with the new coach and hope for the best.</p><p><strong>How far can the team go with the new coach?</strong></p><p>The team has quality players, who’ve the potential to put up far better performances. Luka is a good coach with considerable experience in Qatar football, so he can change the team’s fortunes.</p><p><strong>Is he capable of improving Al Arabi’s position in the QNB Stars League?</strong></p><p>All I can say is that we’ll work together with the new coach in order to achieve positive results and make the club’s fans happy.</p><p><strong>How do you look at your upcoming match against Al Rayyan?</strong></p><p>Al Rayyan, of course, are a strong team. However, Al Arabi are a tough opponent. We need to collect three points from this match to compensate for the previous defeats.</p><p><strong>Which team has more chances to win?</strong></p><p>It’s unpredictable. Both sides have players of calibre in all positions.</p><p><strong>Al Rayyan are said to be the favourites, going by form and recent results. What do you think?</strong></p><p>Indeed, Al Rayyan were superior than Al Arabi in the recent times. But I feel we’ll reverse the trend this time.</p><p><strong>Are you under pressure because Al Rayyan are favourites?</strong></p><p>Absolutely no. Rather, we see it as a big chance to prove a point.</p><p><strong>Which Al Rayyan player will be feared the most by Al Arabi?</strong></p><p>Al Rayyan have many reputed players. They perform very well as a team and (Rodrigo) Tabata is at the heart of it.</p><p><strong>What should Al Arabi do to regain the lost ground in the league?</strong></p><p>Al Arabi are capable of achieving many positive results. We just need to be more effective in front of the goal and also some luck. </p><p><strong>This is your first season in the QNB Stars League. What’s your impression of the competition?</strong></p><p>Even when I was in Brazil, I used to follow Qatar league news. I’ve friends in Qatar. The competition is tough and requires a lot of efforts. Being a part of the QNB Stars League is a different experience. I happy to have joined Al Arabi and I do hope to add strength to the team.</p><p><strong>Will you be able to fulfil your ambitions?</strong></p><p>I truly look forward to help my team and leave a mark on the field. I’m very optimistic that Al Arabi will overcome the challenges in a better way as the season progresses.</p><p><strong>What would you like to tell the club’s fans?</strong></p><p>We wish to beat Al Rayyan. We won’t be motivated while playing in front of empty stands and we need fans’ support, which’ll have a big impact on the team’s performance.</p>