Winning title unbeaten is special, says Belmadi

Doha: Al Duhail SC coach Djamel Belmadi says he is absolutely delighted with his team’s performance as his players celebrated QNB Stars League triumph, their sixth league title in eight years.

“We beat a lot of records, a lot of statistics, which is amazing. It shows how the club works. We won six titles in the last eight years and it is not easy. It’s a lot of hard work from everyone at the club. From the players, the administration the support staff. So it is a great achievement,” said Belmadi after the award ceremony.

“This most special thing about this triumph is that we did it by being unbeaten which has not happened in the country before. In Champions League also, we played five games we won all five. Our young players are doing very well. So everything is working well for us. The only sour note is the injury to Youssef Msakni,” said Belmadi.

Duhail captain Msakni, who came in as a substitute at halftime, was desperate to score his 26th goal which would have brought him level with his strike partner Youssef El Arabi. However, not only was he unsuccessful in his attempt, but he also had to leave the field after injuring his knee.

Belmadi said he hoped it was not a serious injury.

“We hope it is not a big deal. But it is the only worry tonight. We have to find the MRI but he has pain in the knee. We need to wait.”

Belmadi said Both Msakni and El Arabi are in top form and deserve to be the top-scorer.

“Msakni is not a striker. And for him to score so many goals is amazing.”