Hallgrimsson wants full points against Al Wakrah

DOHA: Al Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimsson hoped that his side still has the chance to move back into the top-four at the Qatar Stars League. 

Speaking to the media ahead of their Week 9 match against Al Wakrah on Friday, the Icelandic said, “We still have the opportunity to get back to the top-four bracket. I think we are on track. We played well against Al Rayyan in the previous game, but lost. So, this match is important for us."

Arabi has shown a vast improvement in their performances this season in stark contrast to the last few years. 

“Wakrah are a good side. We had played two friendly matches against them and lost both. But our team is developing technically. The onus is on the players to perform on the pitch. Some of them play without pressure and some don't. We've to reproduce the form which we showed against Rayyan," added the former Iceland coach, who led his country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. 

Al Duhail, Rayyan, Al Sadd and Al Gharafa occupy the first-four spots on the league standings while Arabi has dropped down to the fifth (13 points). 

“The players’ mindset and their desire to achieve the best results are important,” said Hallgrimsson.

Hallgrimsson's counterpart at Al Wakrah Marquez Lopez felt that his team has the ability to put it across their opponents. 

“We qualified from the Second Division, but we are capable of putting up strong performances. The absence of playmaker Cristian Ceballos has affected us. I hope to try and find the best formation," said Marquez. “Wakrah has six to eight U23 players. We are working very well with them to develop their level and correct their mistakes."

Wakrah are eighth with eight points in the 12-team league.