Al Gharafa will take on an in-form Umm Salal side today evening.
Caretaker coach Habib Sadeq spoke ahead of the match, and thanked the Al Gharafa club management for the opportunity.
“I would like to thank the club administration for the confidence they have placed in me. I am here to continue the good work of the last coach, and have a strong finish to the season,” said Sadeq, who is no stranger to the side having been a caretaker coach on a number of previous occasions.
Talking about the competition, the Tunisian said, “We have three games against sides who are battling relegation and we need a good result. We have prepared the team well in the international break. I am confident we can get a good result.”
He added: “Umm Salal are a good side, they are solid defensively. Umm Salal are looking to finish ahead of us in the league, and we will be trying to stop them on Sunday. We will be looking to work as a team. First we will focus on the upcoming match and then look forward to the final two games of the season.”
Umm Salal are currently on a six-game undefeated streak in the QSL, with head coach Mahmoud Jaber picking up the QSL coach of the month award for February and March.
“I am happy to receive the player of the month award, but this award is for the whole team and they deserve it,” the Egyptian said.
“We will continue after a long break. Al Gharafa are a strong team and still have a chance to get into the fourth place. They will be aiming to beat us, and I am expecting a tough challenge for my side,” Jaber said.
“Matches after the break, you cannot predict the performance of the side, but we hope that Umm Salal can do well in this game. Players like Yannick Sagbo and Baba Malick have recovered from injuries and will be back in the squad which will aid the side. We will be looking to continue with our form in the league. Our aim now is to improve our position in the league and get ready for the Emir Cup.”