Rashid Jabir: Facing Al-Karma is a real test and we will fight to restore Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya

Air Force coach Rashid Jaber has stated that the match against Al-Karma is one of the important and difficult games in the Iraqi Premier League, pointing out that the opponent has outstanding players and a highly skilled coaching staff, which makes the match a real test of both teams' abilities.

The press conference took place ahead of the match between the two teams scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, at the city stadium in the tenth round of the competition.

Jaber explained that Al Quwa Al Jawiya enter the match with a single ambition: to achieve victory, regain their winning rhythm, and strengthen their position in the league race after a strange decline for the defending champions to ninth place.

Jaber stated: "Retaining last season's title requires doubling our efforts and maintaining the highest levels of focus until the final whistle. The match against Al-Karma is not ordinary; the opponent is rightfully at the top of the league and is performing consistently. Therefore, the encounter demands high concentration and tactical discipline throughout the ninety minutes."

The Omani coach addressed the heavy defeat his team suffered against Al Ain, losing 4-1 in the AFC Champions League, stating that Asian tournaments are among the toughest competitions on the continent and require preparation and readiness at the highest levels, given the presence of large teams with exceptional technical and financial capabilities.

He added: We must close the chapter on the Al Ain match completely; football does not stop at a loss. We need to focus on the upcoming challenges to bring the team back to its rightful place. We should also not get distracted by what is said outside the pitch and put all our efforts into performing at the level that befits the name and reputation of Al Quwa Al Jawiya. The fans expect a reaction from us, not just words.

Jaber emphasized the emotional aspect and the responsibility placed upon him, stating: "Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya has become a part of me, especially after feeling the love of the fans for me. This multiplies our responsibility towards this club and its supporters. We trust in the abilities of our players despite the difficult circumstances, and we understand the weight of the responsibility on our shoulders. We will fight to achieve a positive result, especially since we are playing at home in front of our fans, who represent a source of strength and a great motivation for the team."

Al Quwa Al Jawiya's player, Mohamed Sami, has confirmed the readiness of the players and their determination to achieve victory and please the fans, stating: "We enter the match with high spirits and great determination, and we understand that our fans expect a lot from us after recent results, so we will give everything we have on the pitch to collect the three points and dedicate them to our loyal supporters."

Sami concluded: 'We know that Al-Karma is a strong team and at the top, with a winning streak, but we are Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, the defending champions, and we are playing at home. The players have pledged to deliver a great match worthy of the club's name.'

The match kicks off tomorrow evening at 8:30 PM Baghdad time at the Al-Madina International Stadium.