Al Gharafa coach Andrea Stramaccioni spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 20 match against Al Rayyan.

“Unfortunately, the reality is that we had many missed opportunities in the past matches and we have to admit that. But there is a positive side, which is that the team continues to create opportunities. The negative side is that in the last matches we lost points and I think Al Wakrah had four chances and scored three goals, which caused us to lose.

“Even with numerical disadvantage, our team played well and with team spirit and we need more focus. I do not want to address this to one player, but I am talking about a general problem that the team suffers from.

“Regarding the game against Al Rayyan, we know very well that this match is very important for everyone, right from the club president to fans, for us and for every supporter of Al Gharafa. It is much beyond the three points.

“In the first leg, we played against Al Rayyan with team spirit and now their coach has changed. They now have new energy and new motivation for sure, and they have great players. We know that we are required to perform well and we have to win the match for everyone because, as I said, this match has double value.

“Al Rayyan are a very good team and we have to play with high concentration and we cannot think that the match will be easy. We have to win and from now until the end of the season all teams will play strongly,” said Stramaccioni.

Al Gharafa player Abdullah Al Saei said, ‘It is certainly an important match, especially since we are in a position that only allows us to win.

“Thank God, returning from an injury was a good thing for me and I hope to always rise up to expectations.”