Bassem Qassem: We do not underestimate anyone and aim for victory against Al-Shamal

Al Zawraa's coach Basim Qasim and player Hussein Falah spoke about their upcoming match against Al-Shamal, scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday, at Newroz Stadium in Sulaymaniyah, as part of the tenth round of the Gulf Club Champions League.

The experienced coach stated at the beginning of the press conference: "We respect Al-Shamal a lot; they are a young, organized team that plays good football despite their recent rise. We have watched their recent matches, and they are not to be underestimated, so I warned the players not to take them lightly or think that the match will be easy."

He added: "Al-Shamal plays without pressure, and that makes them dangerous. They will play with all their strength against Al Zawraa to prove themselves, and we are ready for that."

Regarding the morale after the draw against Qatar in the Gulf Club Champions League with a score of 1-1, Qasim explained: "We have turned the page on the Qatar match, we played well in Doha and deserved to win, but this is football. Now our full focus is on the Iraqi Premier League, we are in second place with 18 points and there is no room for complacency, every match for us is a final."

Qasim confirmed that his team will enter the match seeking only three points: "I told the players, we are Al Zawraa, when we face any team our goal is to win, we respect everyone but fear no one. There is a difference in abilities and experience but it must be translated on the pitch with commitment and fighting spirit."

Bassem Qassem concluded: "The team is ready physically and technically, there are no significant injuries. The return of some players will give us more options. We promise our fans to deliver a match worthy of the name Al Zawraa and to return from Sulaymaniyah with three points."

Hussein Fallah spoke confidently ahead of the match, saying: "The game will not be as easy as some think. It is true that there is a difference in capabilities, but Al-Shamal is a team that plays with great enthusiasm at home, and we respect that. However, as Al Zawraa, we are used to winning in all circumstances."

Falah added: "We are coming off a draw in the Gulf Club Champions League against Qatar SC. We aimed to win there, but now our focus is entirely on the league. We are second in the league and want to stay close to the top. Winning against Al-Shamal will be very important for our morale before the derby against Al-Shorta."

Falah confirmed his teammates' readiness: "The atmosphere within the team is excellent, there is a great desire from everyone to achieve victory, Coach Bassim Qasim has instilled in us the spirit of triumph, we know that our fans will follow us even from Sulaymaniyah and we want to make them happy."

Falah concluded: "My message to Al Zawraa fans is to be assured, we will fight for the white shirt, and we will return from Sulaymaniyah with three points; there is no alternative to victory if we want to compete for the title until the end."