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M. Gholam: Al-Sadd needs to win; can stop Rayyan’s streak

M. Gholam: Al-Sadd needs to win; can stop Rayyan’s streak
08 Dec 2015
​Al-Sadd sporting director Mohammed Gholam al-Balooshi has spoken about the importance of the upcoming QSL Round 12 match against Al-Rayyan, which will kick off at 6:30 PM on Thursday at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

Speaking to media before the start of the main training session, al-Balooshi said: “The match is more important for Al-Sadd than Al-Rayyan as Al-Sadd need to return to winning ways after the two successive defeats in the league against Lekhwiya and Al-Sailiya.”

He added: “Al-Rayyan are not under the same pressure from fans as Al-Sadd are because of their results. The points gap between us and the league leaders also puts a lot of pressure on the team. Al-Sadd will strive to stop losing points and close the gap as much as possible. We are confident in the abilities of the players.”

When asked about Al-Rayyan breaking the record for the longest winning streak which was held by Al-Sadd, al-Balooshi said: “We hope we can stop this streak, I think Al-Sadd players are capable of doing that. Both teams are well-equipped, be it in defence, midfield or attack. I also think Al-Rayyan are a complete team as I said before, the match against them is the match of the season for Al-Sadd. An Al-Sadd win in it will return the spirit to the league again.”

Al-Sadd were criticised following the defeat to Al-Sailiya. Al-Balooshi was asked how much the criticism would affect the team and he said: “I do not think this criticism will affect the team as this match is special and different on its own. This is an important Clasico for the fans of both teams; it has its own importance. We hope it will be exciting for both sides.”

As for the attendance of the fans, the sporting director said: “The presence of the fans is important for the match as the fans are the fuel for the players, they push them on and lift their spirit on the pitch. Al-Sadd fans must come on Thursday night and stand behind their team. Insha Allah, our team will do it right and make its fans happy.”