Duhail’s matches against Al Rayyan and Al Sadd will determine the title course, says Bassam

Qatar, Doha: Al Duhail’s Bassam Al Rawi is one of the most exciting young players of the QNB Stars League. The versatile Qatar star, who played a vital role in the national team’s positive results in the recent friendlies as part of its preparations for the 2019 Asian Cup, is also one of the main pillars of The Red Knights.

Ahead of Al Duhail’s QNB Stars League encounter against Al Rayyan in Week 14 on Sunday, 2nd December, Bassam spoke to QSL Online in an exclusive interview.

How do you see your game vs Al Rayyan?

It’ll be a strong game as both teams have top players. But we’re known for emerging as stronger in important games.

How do you prepare for this match?

Our preparations for this game are going on well. We don’t want any slip-ups at this stage and we’ll play for three points.

Can Duhail win this match, having drawn in the first leg?

In the first leg, we could’ve killed the game by scoring more than one goal. We missed many chances. Now, the team is ready and the players have determination to win.

Will Nam Tae-Hee’s absence through a knee injury affect your team?

You’re talking about the best player in the league. Certainly his absence will affect us. However, Al Duhail have young players and they’re able to compensate for Nam’s absence.

Your message to Nam?

I wish him a speedy recovery. I hope that Nam will become better than before. He’s known as a great player. I also wish our other injured players like Ismail (Mohammed) and (Yousef) Msakni well.

How do you look at Al Duhail’s injury worries? Is it due to stress or extra efforts put in by the players?

Nothing. It’s destiny. It has got nothing to do with any other reason. It’s our bad luck.

Will Al Duhail retain the QNB Stars League title?

Our match against Al Rayyan this week and our postponed match against Al Sadd, on 11th December, will determine the title course.

How do you see the competition between Al Duhail and Al Sadd for the league title?

Al Sadd are a big team which has big names. But, as I said, Al Duhail always come good in big matches. Inshallah, we’ll continue to top the league.

Which player has caught your attention this season?

Al Sadd striker Baghdad Bounedjah is a very dangerous player. His team-mate Akram Afif also has very impressive levels with Al Sadd and the Qatar national team.

How do you see your nomination after the first leg for the best Under-23 player award?

Sure, such nominations give me the motivation to keep going. I’m very happy about it.

How about Qatar’s preparations for the forthcoming Asian Cup? What’re the reasons behind the recent good results?

We’re preparing hard in order to achieve a good position in the Asian Cup. We played with some strong teams as part of our preparations.

The reason behind good results is that there’s a great understanding between the players and coach (Feliz Sanchez) because he had trained us in the Olympic team. Plus, there’s great unity in the squad.

Finally, what would you like to say?

I wish Al Duhail success in the QNB Stars League and AFC Champions League.

I hope Qatar will come really good in the Asian Cup.

I want our fans to stay strongly with us in all competitions.