Al Duhail First Football Team Head Coach Djamel Belmadi emphasized the intensity and significance of the upcoming clash versus Al Sadd. Both sides face off tomorrow, Monday, in the Amir Cup semifinal round. Belmadi’s remarks came during the pre-match press conference held today at the Qatar Football Association headquarters.
Belmadi opened his statements by saying:
“Of course, the Amir Cup semifinal will be against a big team that is just as accustomed to winning trophies as we are. It is a derby match between two teams that have shared the league titles over the last fifteen years; therefore, I expect a powerful and exciting encounter.”
He added: “The Amir Cup represents our final opportunity this season after losing the league due to several factors. Ultimately, we didn’t do enough to clinch it. In the AFC Champions League, winning was difficult, though we were close; we bowed out against the defending champions of the last two seasons.”
Belmadi continued: “The Amir Cup is a tournament dear to me, the players, and the club. I have won it on previous occasions and I look forward to winning it again. It is not easy and requires overcoming many obstacles, but I enter tomorrow’s match with great confidence in my team and a strong belief in the players’ desire to fight to reach the final.”
Regarding the team’s preparation, Belmadi explained: “We know our strengths and weaknesses well; no team is perfect. We respect the oppon.ent, their coach, and Al Sadd as a club, but our goal is victory. Our full focus is on this match, especially since we haven’t won a title in the past two seasons—something that does not align with our ambitions.”
Belmadi concluded by addressing the squad’s fitness struggles: “The injuries the team suffered this season were unprecedented in my coaching career and had a clear impact on results, particularly in the AFC Champions League where the level of competition is high. However, we have regained some key elements like Al Moez Ali and Tuta. Their return gives the team a massive moral boost. We will strive to deliver a strong performance to secure this precious title because Al Duhail and its players deserve it.
