Sami Al-Trabelsi: We have closed the league chapter and aim for advanced stages in Asia

Sami Al-Trabelsi, the head coach of Al-Shorta, confirmed that his team has temporarily closed the chapter on the Iraqi league and is fully focused on a promising start in the AFC Champions League 2, as they face Al-Sib of Oman tomorrow in the first round at Al-Zawraa Stadium.

This came during the press conference held this evening before the match, attended by goalkeeper and team captain Jalal Hassan.

Al-Trabelsi began his remarks by saying: "The pace of the Iraqi league is marathon-like, and we did not find enough time to make exceptional preparations for this match, but our preparations have been ongoing since the start of the league, and we look forward to bringing the team back to its usual level, despite some shortcomings."

The Tunisian coach added: "Our goal is to reach the final stages of this Asian tournament, alongside competing strongly in the domestic league, and certainly the first match is of great importance on all levels, both in terms of focus and preparation."

The coach has admitted to being unhappy with the recent results: "Everyone is dissatisfied with the team's results, whether it's the management, the coaching staff, the players, or the fans, but the positive side is that the team has started to improve clearly from match to match, especially since the team has undergone many changes, and in a short period, we have succeeded in finding a good combination."

The team has turned the page on the league, and their focus is now on the Asian championship, which represents an important goal for them. The team is mentally prepared and looking to achieve victory in their first steps in the Asian competition.

Regarding the significant absences, Al-Tarablsi clarified that Al-Qaythara will be without the services of Mohannad Ali, Ali Mohsen, Ahmad Farhan, and Iyad Abd Farhan due to injury, affirming his complete confidence in all available players and their ability to compensate for the absences.

Jalal Hassan, the goalkeeper of Al-Shorta, has confirmed the significance of the Asian encounter, stating: "We have closed the chapter on the league and have fully focused on the match against Al-Sib. The Asian tournament is important for us, and we have turned the page on the league."

The police chief added: "Al-Seeb is a respectable Omani team, and the first match is always difficult. We must please our fans by delivering a good performance that befits them."

Jalal has sent a special message to the fans: "Everyone knows that the Qithara fans always support the team and stand by it, whether this season or in past seasons, and God willing, we are determined to achieve victory tomorrow and bring smiles to the faces of the Green fans."

Statements from Al-Trabelsi and Jalal Hassan reflect a high level of mental focus within the Al-Shorta camp. The team wants to take advantage of the home ground and the support of their fans at Al-Zawraa Stadium, aiming for a strong start that will give them a morale boost before re-entering the league battle.

Tomorrow's match at 9:15 PM will not just be 90 minutes; it will be a true test of Al-Trabelsi's ability to lead the Qithara into the later stages of the Asian competition, as promised.