Al Gharafa assistant coach Alexandro spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 6 match against Umm Salal.

“It will be a difficult match for us mainly due to the fact that Umm Salal are an organized side. They had not conceded a goal in their last match. For us, having drawn with Al Ahli in our last game, we must strive to win.

“After we were ahead by a goal and in control of the match, we received a red card and the result changed. Coach Andrea (Stramaccioni) reorganized the team well and our players played a very good second half, both technically and psychologically.

“He (defender Islom Tukhtakhujaev) is an important player for us. He had received red card in the last match and will be missed. But I am sure that every player who will play will give off his best,” said Alexandro.

Al Gharafa player Ishaq Belfodil said, “After the Al Ahli match, we had mixed feelings, the first is not feeling happy because we did not win the match because the victory was our goal from the first minute. The second is the positive feeling that we showed a high spirit and were able to pull off a draw in the end, thank God. There were many positive things.

“I see it (the Umm Salal match) as very difficult, like any match we have played in the league so far. I received a great welcome from everyone since I came and all helped me adapt. I felt from the first day that I am part of this team. The most important thing is the team’s victories in the upcoming matches.”