QSL managed to grab some time with Al Gharafa midfielder and former Australian International Mark Bresciano, to talk about his time in Qatar, how the QSL must place importance on youth development and his own boyhood idol. 

QSL- You have been with Gharafa for three years now, along with being in Al Nasr in the UAE. How have you seen football develop for the better in the region?
MB- Over my time in the region, just over four years now, football has developed significantly. I think that is through bringing more recognized players to the region.
The World Cup in 2022 is giving the whole region a real buzz and is igniting the interest of many people in Qatar who are preparing for the tournament already.

QSL-You are currently in the last year of your contract at Al Gharafa is that correct? Are you looking to move back to Australia?
MB-Eventually after my football career, the plan is to move back to Australia with my family and settle down.  I have definitely thought about moving back and playing in Australia, but I can’t say it’s the priority at the moment. My family is enjoying the lifestyle in Qatar and I am enjoying my football at the moment, my contract is in its last year with Gharafa, but we just have to wait and see what the future holds.

QSL- How has the side changed with the return of head coach Paquetá to the side?
MB- Well, I have seen plenty of coaches during my time with Gharafa in the past three years. Every coach brings his own style of football. Saying that, I think Paquetá is bringing a more defensive orientated game, which is perhaps at odds to the traditional Brazilian attacking style. Since he has arrived we have become more solid defensively which has lead us into the position we are in  now (6^th place). Since his arrival, the target is to qualify for the Qatar Cup and get into the top four. Which is still possible for us, the opportunity is still there.

QSL-How do you assess the impact of the new signings in the winter transfer window?
MB-I think they have had a major impact already. Claudio Keressu has already been on the score sheet along with Bolanios who has had some assists and scored a few goals. Cicero has also come to the side, but from the off-season in Brazil. I don’t think we have seen the best from him yet, but the quality is there. It’s hard for these players to settle into the team because of the environment, but saying that they have bedded in well with the squad.
  
QSL-Gharafa has plenty of young talent at the moment in the squad, how can you asses their progress?
MB- I think our young players are having a great season. Personally I think that young players should have an opportunity to play. Clubs should be more focused on developing these young players, I still think there is room for improvement in youth development in the QSL. I think that with the national team in mind, they need to develop talent and play them from a younger age. At the end of the day if every team in the league has three or four special national talents they want to develop, you are looking at a core of players for the national team. This is what teams should consider and focus on here in Qatar.

QSL- Gharafa are facing Al Shamal this weekend, who have just won their first game of the season. Are you worried about their improving form?
MB- For me these are the games that you have to have to worry about. For Shamal, they have nothing to lose whilst for Gharafa we have everything to lose.  Playing these games, sometimes a squad underestimates their opponent and perhaps doesn’t prepare correctly. We just have to be focused; we know what we have to do in order to finish in the top 4, we have to beat teams like Al Shamal.

QSL-Finally, we have a question from a fan from our #AskMark competition, @Oshewjr asks “As a kid who was your football idol.”
MB- Growing up in Australia I had a real interest in Serie A. Back then I would have to say Roberto Baggio when he was playing at Juventus. I would always look out for him. It was hard, because he is so great but I would try to mold my game in his style. I did end up playing in a similar attacking midfield role to him, so I would say that he did influence me.