We are prepared, says Duhail coach Rui Faria

Doha, Qatar: Al Duhail SC were the most impressive team in the group stages last season before injuries to players and a change in coaching rein derailed their campaign in the quarterfinal stage.

This season they are even more determined to do well, and have brought in Rui Faria as the coach besides adding Medhi Benatia, one of the finest defenders in the world, and a powerful pocket dynamo in Nakajima Shoya to their wealth of talent.

But this time they also have a tough challenge at their hands as they are grouped alongside three former champions -two-time winners Esteghlal and Al Hilal, and 2003 champions Al Ain.

Duhail take on Esteghlal in their opening match on Tuesday and coach Faria was optimistic despite the toughness of the challenge at hand.

“For the first time in my career I’m in a Champions League group against three champions, so it’s a very tough group,” said Faria at the pre-match press conference.

“And we know very well our responsibilities and the difficulties of the competition. So we are prepared for this match, looking forward to a good result. The team is ready and the players know what to do,” said the former long-term associate of Jose Mourinho.

However, Qatar’s Asian Cup heroes Almoez Ali and Assim Madibo are doubtful for the match, confirmed the coach.

Assim Madibo suffered a knock during the match against Al Ahli while Asian Cup top scorer and MVP Almoez Ali has not featured for Duhail in their last two QSL games.

Duhail struggled to find their scoring touch in Faria’s first two matches in charge but the 6-0 thrashing of al Ahli will give Faria and his team a big boost.

Duhail lost to Persepolis in the quarterfinals after thrashing Al Ain in the last 16 last year while Esteghlal lost to Al Sadd.

Duhail are four points behind leaders Al Sadd in the Qatar Stars League, but AFC Champions League is surely going to be their No.1 priority.