Al Duhail First Football Team Head Coach emphasized the importance of facing Al Gharafa and winning to reach the final of a prestigious tournament, the Qatar Cup, which means a lot to Al Duhail as a way to compensate for losing the league title.
Galtier began his statements by saying: “Our goals are clear, like the rest of the teams, which is to win and qualify for the final match of the Qatar Cup. It is a continuation of the competition between Al Duhail and Al Gharafa, as both presented wonderful levels during the league season. It will be an exciting match, as we greatly respect Al Gharafa, but our goal is to reach the final, as I mentioned.”
Galtier added: “The league is over now, and according to traditions in Qatar, the competition for the Qatar Cup begins directly. It is a very important tournament for us. It is a cup match, and it is of course different and decisive, and we must be ready against a distinguished team like Al Gharafa.”
Galtier continued: “I spoke with the players yesterday and asked them to forget the disappointment of losing the league title. I repeat, it is not our team that lost the league title, but Al Sadd is the team that won the league. During the first leg of the league, we achieved many points, unlike the second leg. Overall, we presented a good level, and second place is not an achievement, but it is a good position considering the level we presented.”
Galtier added: “Now we have two tournaments, which are the Qatar Cup and the Amir Cup, and I would be personally happy if we win one of the two tournaments. Of course, it would be a good thing for the team to compensate for the league loss. I repeat my congratulations to Al Sadd for winning the league.”
Then he added: “We have done good work to reach where we have, and we will strive hard to reach the AFC Champions League play-offs in the coming season. Of course, winning the Qatar Cup will enhance our joy. Al Gharafa has distinguished players, and they will return from injuries, such as Sassi and Rodrigo, and this also gives them the motivation to win the tournament, but we must focus on winning and qualifying for the final of this prestigious tournament and present the required level.”
Galtier concluded: “The team is fully mentally prepared for the Al Gharafa match. I have worked hard with the coaching staff during the past period to prepare the players psychologically, and I confirm that the Qatar Cup is a great motivation for us, and we will strive hard to win it
