Al Gharafa coach Andrea Stramaccioni spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 3 match against Al Shamal.

“In view of Al Shamal’s good performance in the previous two matches and the completion of their ranks with professional players, the match will be strong.

“In the previous match, we had more chances than Al Wakrah and, to be honest, Al Wakrah were more aggressive in the attacking side in the second half in the first third of the hour and they deserved to equalize and I think it was a good match from both sides.

“I think Al Shamal played two matches well and they have an integrated team and they have five foreign professional players. It will not be an easy match.

“I think that this period of the league is the most balanced and therefore it will not be easy to predict the results of the matches and this is also important for Qatar football because the league will be more competitive,” said Stramaccioni.

Al Gharafa player Nasser Al Ahraq said, “We put up a good show against Al Wakrah and the players did not fail and gave their due during the match, and we came out with a point which was better than nothing. God willing, according to the coach’s plan and tactics for this match, we will give what we have to win the three points.

“This season, you see that all teams are of similar levels and Al Gharafa are competing, and our ambition is to compete strongly.”