Qatari Wesam Rizq, coach of Zakho team, declared a state of emergency within his squad during the current phase of the Iraqi Stars League for the 2025-2026 season, amidst noticeable declines in results and performance levels. This situation prompted the technical staff to work at a higher pace to correct the course and restore balance.

After 16 rounds of the competition, Zakho ranks eighth in the standings with 27 points, having won 7 matches, drawn 6, and lost 3. This outcome does not align with the aspirations of the club's fans and management.

Informed sources confirmed that Rizq intensified his preparations during the current period, after announcing a state of alert among the players and technical staff, especially since the team is set to play three strong matches within just nine days. This requires high physical and technical readiness, along with relying on a more precise rotation system to avoid player fatigue and maintain performance stability.

The sources added that the coach is placing his full weight on the anticipated match against Al-Zawraa in the seventeenth round of the league. He realizes that winning this match will give the team a significant morale boost to continue positive results and progress in the standings, so he seeks to quickly address mistakes and enter the match with the best possible readiness.

They pointed out that Zakho will then travel to Kuwait to face Al-Qadsia on February 10 in the Gulf Clubs Champions Cup, a tough encounter during which the technical staff hopes to achieve a positive result that brings the team closer to reaching the second round, which is the club management's main goal at present.

The sources indicated that the team will subsequently play the Northern Iraq derby against Erbil, a match with significant fan impact and considered the most important among the three encounters. This drives the coach to prepare precise preemptive plans to ensure victory and please the fans.

The sources concluded by noting that Rizq is awaiting support from the management through new signings, especially in the left-back position, aiming to have two lineups capable of implementing rotation without affecting results, while Zakho's management affirms its confidence in the coach's work and his ability to bring the team back on the right track as soon as possible.