Al Gharafa coach Andrea Stramaccioni spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 19 match against Al Wakrah.

“Of course, if Al Wakrah win, they will lead us by seven points and there will be three games left, so it will be difficult to make up for that difference. But at the same time, the match will be an opportunity to prove our ability to fight and compete until the end.

“We know that they are going through a good period now. You can see that their coach is doing a very good job as he has been in Qatar for four years and he has a clear philosophy on the field.

“Sofiane Hanni is an important player and he is the playmaker in our team. He is the one who links the midfield and attack and is now doing a good job. He scored in the last two games after returning from a red-card suspension against Umm Salal and I hope he continues to perform at the same level. All players are important to us as a team,” said Stramaccioni.

Al Gharafa player Saeed Al Hajj said, “This game is very important since Al Wakrah are our direct competitors for the top four. Of course victory will bring us closer to them and the difference becomes one point.

“The players are ready and even a shortage of some players does not cause a problem especially since we have played without some of the main players. We are physically and psychologically ready, and we will make the required effort that gives us victory.”