Luay Salah: The Air Force Match Will Be a Turning Point and Our Goal is to Win

Al-Zawraa held its press conference before the anticipated confrontation against Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya tomorrow, Wednesday, at the People's International Stadium, in the summit of the 36th round of the Iraqi Stars League. The conference carried clear messages from coach Luay Salah and player Hussein Falah, confirming that the Al-Nawras are entering the classic with a different mindset, far from just ranking considerations.

Coach Luay Salah began his talk by emphasizing the special nature of the match, saying: 'Tomorrow's match has a special character, and beyond competition and ranking, it is a derby match in itself.'

Salah added that 'the meeting holds great importance, as it may be a turning point for the rest of the teams due to its connection to the league's fate.'

Al-Zawraa here is not playing for itself alone, as a victory for the Falcons would mean they officially win the title, while any other result postpones the decision and reopens the competition door with Al-Shorta. This situation puts Al-Zawraa players under the microscope of the entire league's fans, as their performance tomorrow may outline the champion's features.

The coach emphasized the mental aspect and responsibility, pointing out that 'our players must be up to the responsibility and present an honorable image worthy of Al-Zawraa.'

The Al-Nawras suffered this season from losing many points due to lack of focus and haste in crucial matches, and Salah did not hesitate to admit this when he said: 'Lack of focus and bad luck were reasons for wasting many points in previous matches.'

Nevertheless, Salah showed great confidence in his group, confirming: 'We trust our players' abilities to prove their readiness on the field.'

The coach knows that winning against Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya will be like reconciliation with the fans and an opportunity to end the season positively, even if not crowned with the title. He also pointed out that the team still has ambition despite the influential absences, saying: 'We still have ambitions and are ready to present a great match despite the influential absences.'

For his part, midfielder Hussein Falah spoke more directly about the goals required from the match. Falah confirmed that the team completed its preparations as required, saying: 'We prepared fully, and our ambition in tomorrow's match is to come out with the full mark.'

This phrase summarizes Al-Zawraa's mentality before the classic, as the team does not want to be just a witness to the rival's crowning but seeks to win and restore consideration after losing the first leg 2-0.

Falah described the confrontation as 'special against Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya,' adding: 'We must appear in a manner befitting the value of the match.'

The player realizes that the Al-Zawraa audience is waiting for a strong reaction, especially after a season that did not meet expectations due to many draws and setbacks in crucial stages.

Al-Zawraa's broader goal at this stage is clear, as Falah explained: 'Our goal at this stage is to secure third place and secure an external participation card.'

The team currently occupies fourth place with 66 points, 4 points behind third-place Erbil. Winning against Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya will keep them in the fight until the last breath, while any stumble may give Erbil a chance to officially secure third place.