Lekwhiya coach Michael Laudrup addresses a press conference ahead his team’s Qatar Cup match against Qatar Sports Club today.
By Sports Reporter/Doha
Lekhwiya begin their quest for what could be a momentous domestic treble when they take on Qatar Sports Club in the semi-finals of the Qatar Cup at the Abdulla bin Khalifa Stadium today. The match begins at 8pm.
After winning the Qatar Stars League for the fourth time in five years earlier this month, Lekhwiya, coached by former Real Madid, Barcelona and Denmark great Michael Laudrup, are gung-ho about their prospects in the two prestigious Cup tournaments – the Qatar Cup and the Emir Cup, which brings the curtain down on the domestic football season.
The Qatar Cup, previously known as the Heir Apparent Cup, features teams that figured in the top four in the Qatar Stars League and will be played in a knockout format where failure is not an option.
“We know this is a Cup competition, we know that tomorrow there will be a winner and that it is only one game,” Laudrup told reporters at a pre-match press conference yesterday.
“This competition sees the top four teams battle it out and I think Qatar Sports Club, who are our opponents have been the surprise package this season and I really like them as a team,” Laudrup added.
With Lekhwiya also involved in the Asian Champions League alongside the QSL, it had been a struggle to avoid suspensions and injuries.
“We have already won the league, however the last month has been like a labyrinth in which we have had to try and avoid suspensions and injuries. Being a coach sometimes is about getting the best from the players you have available,” Laurdup said as he geared up for the hectic few days ahead.
“I think since the end of February, we started to look a very strong team. We had a couple of games where we didn’t look great and that was surprisingly when we played the teams at the bottom of the league.
“We don’t know how many games we will play but it can be between 3 or 8 games depending on our success. We will be playing only strong teams from now on because of the Qatar Cup, Emir Cup and Asian Champions League.
Lekhwiya’s Slovakian winger Vladimir Weiss, meanwhile, was looking forward to make amends for last year when the team lost to El Jaish in the final on penalties.
“We reached the final last year where we were unlucky in the penalties. So we have extra motivation to reach the final and try to win this time,” said Weiss.
“We have two different competitions and we know we are in a good position in the ACL, with regards to tomorrow, we know that we have to win that too and try and make this a truly memorable season.”
Winger Ismail Mohammed was also in an upbeat mood.
“It is a good opportunity for us, we have had a good season so far and so we should try to continue our run of form. Qatar SC are very organised. We are expecting a tough game.”
Qatar Sports Club head coach Radhi Shenaishil said his team would try to make the best use of the “big opportunity” they have to show they belong in the big league.
“It’s a big opportunity for us to show we belong here, we started the season badly but we have done well to get to this position, we have the toughest of the draws and will face Lekhwiya. I have confidence that the players can do well despite our injuries,” said Shenaishil.
“The champions have quality and we will have to try and make fewer mistakes, especially against Lekhwiya. If we respect them and don’t make any mistakes then I think we can do well and have a chance.”
