Al Rayyan coach Artur Jorge emphasized the importance of the match against Al Shamal in Round 13 of the Doha Bank Stars League. Speaking at the press conference held on the sidelines of this match, he said: “We are fully aware of the importance of this match due to what happened in the first half of the season. Al Shamal is one of the best teams in the league and is competing for the title, so this is an important match to regain the three points we lost in the first half of the league. We are ready for this match, we have prepared to face them, and with enthusiasm and focus, we must secure the three points.”
He added: “We do not accept the word ‘pressure,’ especially since we know the role required of us, and the responsibility on the team is greater. Every match and every three points has an impact, and we need to win to maintain the gap with Al Gharafa.”
He continued: “We need to rely on ourselves and prepare in the best way for the match against Al Shamal. We need to correct what happened in the first match against them. We know the circumstances of that first match, and all the players at Al Rayyan are giving their best. Playing 11 against 11 is completely different from playing 11 against 10.”
He addressed a message to the fans, saying: “I feel the support of the fans outside the stadium anywhere in Doha, and during this time when we are competing for the league title, we need their presence to reach the position we want.”