Al Duhail head coach Christophe Galtier stressed the importance of the upcoming semifinal match versus Al Sadd in the Amir Cup, scheduled for next Saturday evening.
“We will face a very strong team,” Galtier said in pre-match press conference held today. “This is a match that came emmensly after our recent match versus Al Arabi. We will focus on restoring the players’ physical condition after the great effort they exerted and we are preparing for the confrontation with all seriousness and focus. Al Sadd are the league champions and have a very strong offensive line that has scored 65 goals in 22 matches. We must pay close attention to this.”
Galtier acknowledged that Al Duhail’s performance in the league has not been up to par, but he is confident that the team is focused on the Amir Cup.
“I took over the job at a sensitive time and needed time to adapt and create harmony and understanding with the players, and this had a clear impact on the team. We started poorly in the league, but we have improved in recent matches,” Galtier said. “The players are now focused on the Amir Cup, and everyone is optimistic.”
“Everyone knows the importance of the tournament, as it enjoys a large attendance and followers, whether locally or abroad, and there is an exceptionally positive atmosphere within the team, and everyone is optimistic”.
The coach continued: During the last match, we showed a fighting spirit and succeeded in coming back twice, and we were not satisfied with that, but we achieved victory.
Galtier said that winning the Amir Cup is now the team’s primary goal.
“The Amir Cup is our main goal now,” Galtier said. “We are two steps away from winning the title, and it is important not only for the players but for everyone at the club. This is our last chance to salvage our season. During the last match, we showed a fighting spirit and succeeded in coming back twice, and not only that, but we achieved victory.”
Galtier said that he has spoken to the coaching staff about the need to win the Amir Cup in order to qualify for the AFC Champions League.
“I don’t know what the future holds,” Galtier said. “We will face a strong team, but in cup matches, anything can happen. I have faith in my players and their ability to win this tournament and save our season. The winner will qualify for the AFC Champions League next season, and the players must give their all on the pitch. We started the tournament well, and we must continue in this way.”
