Umm Salal match will be a message that we are ready to win the title, says Al Duhail coach Regragui

Doha, Qatar: Al Duhail are the favourites to win the Qatar Stars League title as they lead the standings with 42 points from 17 games.

With just five more rounds to go, Duhail, who meet Umm Salal on Saturday, need four wins to ensure the title, and coach Walid Regragui was confident.

“Our preparations during the past period were good, especially in the last stage, despite some injury worries. But that is not an excuse because Al Duhail are capable of putting them behind. I hope we will continue to win, maintain the lead and win the title.

“We know that all clubs would make extra efforts to beat us, but we will work more to show that we are champion stuff. The match against Umm Salal will not be different and it will serve as a message to all clubs that we are ready to win the title.

“We know that facing Umm Salal will not be easy, but we are confident of our capabilities. And we are also happy with the return of our player Mohammed Muntari and all injured players.

Umm Salal won’t be easy opponents as they are fighting to avoid relegation. Regragui said coach Aziz Ben Askar has improved the team.

“Umm Salal team must be congratulated. They underwent great transformation because Aziz Ben Askar was able to change the team’s shape and achieve some positive results. They need points from this match. We have to impose our rhythm on the field and confirm that we are a team that deserves the lead position. Umm Salal will enter the pitch with the target of staying in the league and that will make our players alert and we have to control the match if we want to win it.