Al Duhail Head Coach Christophe Galtier explained that the Amir Cup is an opportunity for the team to make up for their league performance. The coach said in the pre-match press conference that was held at 11:00 am today in the press conference hall at Al Sadd Club: “A very important match awaits us in the Amir Cup versus Al Shamal, and of course this tournament is completely different from the league. There is no compensation in cup matches, and your continuation in it depends on the victory you achieve on the field. Everyone in the club knows the importance of the tournament. I spoke to the players about the performance we demonstrated in the league, and there is disappointment for me, the players, the club management, and the fans. Now there is an opportunity to make up for that.”

Galtier added: “The confrontation will not be easy, and I asked the players to focus on tomorrow’s game in order to achieve victory without looking at other details. Victory means we are taking a step forward, and defeat means new disappointment.”

The coach continued: “There will be great pressure due to the importance of the tournament. Whoever wins the title will qualify for the AFC Champions League. Al Shamal match is the most important in this period, and we know that we will face an organized team that has shown a good level. Our match with them will be different from the confrontations that brought us together in the league. This team succeeded in winning versus Al Gharafa thanks to the good technical level of their players. From my experience, I can say that focus on the field is what will make the difference.”

The coach concluded: “There will be an absence of player Lucas Verissimo due to the red card he received in the league. This season, our players have received many cards. There is also an absence of player Kim Moon-Huan.