Al Duhail First Football Team Head Coach, the Frenchman Christophe Galtier emphasized the importance of the upcoming match versus Al Shahania to regain confidence after the team recent loss to Al Sadd.

Galtier opened his statements by saying: We had to get over the recent loss to Al Sadd and read the game better. We worked to restore the spirit and prepare for the upcoming match. Before Ibrahima Bamba’s deserved red card, our performance was very good. I had to make some changes to deal with the situation, and I confirm that I take full responsibility for the reasons for the loss. I asked the players to forget this match, not be negatively affected by this loss, and prepare well for Al Shahania game.

Galtier continued: We watched Al Shahania matches. They have a good team. They caused us some problems in the first leg. They are an organized team with distinguished players. We didn’t have the advantage in the previous match. We have two matches before the international break, and we have to prepare well and win both matches.

He added: Compared to the first leg, we are facing some problems, especially on the offensive side. Of course, there are reasons for these problems, but some of the reasons should remain in the dressing room. We played a good match against Al Wakrah, and I confirmed that I take responsibility for the reasons for the loss against Al Sadd. We play good football, but sometimes we don’t deliver what makes us deserve to win, and we don’t create the opportunities that qualify us to win matches. We focused during the past fifteen days on working to improve the offensive side.

He continued: Hakim joined us not fully physically fit, and he was training individually with his team. Everyone here knows Hakim’s capabilities. He always helps the attack and provides assists to his teammates. He is not ready now after joining only 3 weeks ago, but with time, he will regain his full level.

He concluded: We have two players who will miss the next match: Al Moez Ali due to accumulated yellow cards and Ibrahima Bamba for receiving a red card against Al Sadd. We must maintain our playing rhythm, especially on the offensive side. There is no such thing as seeking revenge for the first-leg loss to Al Shahania; it is just a match to continue progressing. We are still at the top of the table and we are looking to move forward. The players are ready for the match, and everyone will strive seriously to win the game, in addition to all the remaining matches, in order to win the league title.