The last time Al Khor and Mesaimeer faced off against each other in the Qatar Stars League (QSL), the match ended in a 2-1 win for the former. Khor coach Jean Fernandez, however, hasn’t gotten over that November 27, 2015, tie yet, even as the two teams meet each other again today at Al Khor Stadium.
“It was a strange game; I still remember. The last game against Mesaimeer, they gave us a tough time. I like this team, I respect this team and they are providing good performances in the league,” Fernandez said at the pre-match press conference.
Khor, who are in the 11th spot in the QSL table with 25 points, are hurting from last week’s 0-2 loss to Lekhwiya and will be looking to make amends against a team that has already been relegated.
Fernandez, however, is not taking things for granted. “These last few games are all like cup finals for us as we need to win all of them,” he said.
Speaking of the level of difficulty of today’s match, Fernandez said, “This game is very complicated, it will be everything but easy. We will expect everything from them. Mesaimeer lost last minute against Al Rayyan and drew against El Jaish so they don’t lose easily.”
Al Khor will be without star striker Julio Cesar, who will miss the remainder of the season with injury. However, their coach is adamant to get the three points against Mesaimeer, “This is a game we should win because we need the three points. At this point we can’t stay relaxed but if we get the three points we can think of other things,” added the 61-year-old tactician.
Mesaimeer have already been relegated from the QSL as they have only five points from twenty-two games. The bottom club will look to make the best of the remaining five matches to end their season on a high note.
Coach Rodion Gacanin is looking to improve their attacking prowess, “We don’t have too much to build on but we need to improve our ambition and work on our counterattack. I hope it will be good match against Al Khor.”
Gacanin is hoping to get the most of the remaining matches in order to prepare for the upcoming domestic trophies. He said, “We are preparing step by step for the Emir Cup. I hope we find possession in the centre of the pitch and this match may prove vital for our preparation for the Emir Cup.”