Qatar- Arabi looking for consistency against El Jaish in QSL clash

3/11/2016 1:13:18 AM

(MENAFN- The Peninsula)

Doha: Al Arabi who are currently occupying the seventh position in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) points table take on second placed El Jaish today with both sides looking to confirm a top-four place by the end of the season.

For Al Arabi coach Gianfranco Zola the round 22 QSL fixture is of unprecedented importance as the clash - to be played at Lekhwiya Stadium - will be the centre of attention for Al Arabi fans who are desperate to see some measure of consistency in the performance of their favourite team.

In the last three matches played since the resumption of the league after winter break Al Arabi has dropped points in one game besides losing two points in the other two to be pegged back at seventh spot with a tally of just 31 points.

After being appointed as Al Arabi coach with much fanfare at the start of August last year Zola kicked off proceedings with three comfortable wins (1-0 against Al Wakrah 1-0 against Al Khor and 4-0 against Qatar SC) at the start of the 2015-16 season.

Despite bagging full points from the first three encounters Al Arabi slipped in the next two games to worry the loyal fans for the first time this season.

Coach Zola is satisfied with his team preparation ahead of the game.

“The preparation has been very good even though we had one day less of training. I am satisfied with the players in training as they are doing well; the reaction in the training ground has been very good” he said during the pre-match press conference yesterday.

“We can play any team and beat them we have shown that we can beat any team on a given day. But at the same time we can also lose. So all we need is consistency and we need patience to get consistency and that is what I’m trying to do at this club” added the Italian.

“We do have many young players in the team. I try to let my young players play but at the same time we need results so it is a balance always” added the forty-nine-year old.

On the other hand El Jaish will be looking to get back to winning ways following their shock draw to bottom side Meisameer in round 21.

Sabri Lamouchi head coach of El Jaish spoke about upcoming two games for his side “This match and the next match in the AFC Champions League are very important and we need to prepare players for both games. Our last draw against Mesaimeer was a big fall for us as it made us lose two important points” added the Frenchman.

The 44-year-old coach later commended his players for their hard work and dedication “I’m very lucky to work with this group of players. They have a competitive mentality and they don’t need motivation instead they know what they have to dothey know they have to represent Qatar to best of their ability in the AFC Champions League I feel lucky to coach these players.”The Peninsula

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