Al Gharafa Sports Club player Fahad Al Shammari expressed his optimism with regards to the team’s ability to come back strongly during the upcoming period of the Qatar Stars League. 

Al Shammari told QSL Online that, “Our team has all that is required to compete but our only issue is the lack of luck during some of the crucial games which made us lose points. Al Gharafa is going through a transition in many positions due to the large number of new players. I believe that when the players achieve harmony, then things will definitely go differently. I have confidence in our capabilities to become one of the top four teams.”



Al Shammari added, “This is not the first time to go through such tough circumstances, but we have succeeded in overcoming them by means of coming together; players, technical staff and officials. Also we need to improve our concentration during the upcoming rounds of the Qatar Stars League. I believe that our victory over Al Sailiya in the previous round had a positive impact on the team, which also means that we need a second win to give security to the players. That’s why we will enter the coming game against Al Kharaitiyat seeking to win. It is a six pointer for us.”

Fahad also spoke about the termination of Chamusca and his replacement – Diego Aguirre. “Chamusca was not successful enough with the team; we wish him all the best in his future endeavours. I would like to welcome our new Head Coach Diego Aguirre, who is familiar with Al Gharafa and Qatari football. I believe that he is the right and appropriate choice for the time being, we will definitely help him to achieve positive results.”

Commenting on his assessment for the Qatar Stars League, he said, “The league is very tough and strong this season with good competitive teams. Al Rayyan have shocked and surprised everyone with their extraordinary performances. Al Rayyan is one of the teams nominated to win the league title especially in view of the huge win over QSC (9-0).” 



He added, “Lekhwiya also shocked everyone with their decline in performance, but I believe they will return to compete as usual. In general the league isn’t settled yet despite Al Rayyan being in top spot. The league is still long with lots of crucial matches. I anticipate that the competition for the top four teams will be exclusively between five teams.”

Commenting on the team’s ambitions, he finished by saying, “As I mentioned earlier, Al Gharafa has a group of very distinguished players and with a little harmony, we will return stronger. Definitely our ambition is to be one of the top four teams as well as winning one title this season. The burden lies on us as players to develop the performances need so as to improve results.”