Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 16 match against Al Ahli.

“Our preparations were good during the week and the players are ready for this match except Mustafa Essam. The rest of the players are in good condition and we do not have any injuries.

“I am sure that the opponents will come with great enthusiasm and confidence because they are coming from a victory over Al Sadd. Al Ahli are a strong team at the physical level and fast in counter-attacks. In addition to that, they have good players in attack and we are ready for this type of match. Therefore it will be a strong game. We have to be patient when we have the ball and most importantly should have a strong reaction against a dangerous team on the counter.

“It (conceding too many goals) is a problem related to the team as a whole. It is true that there are some mistakes that come as a result of individual mistakes, but the responsibility lies with the team as a whole. In recent matches, we scored many goals and this is because the whole team helps the strikers score. There is also the problem of instability in the required level and balance in matches, and this falls within the framework of my duties and responsibilities,” said Martins.

Al Gharafa player Tamim Al Muhaza said, “Thank God, I have experience in matches like this, but I only participated in the matches for five or 10 minutes, and I hope to participate regularly.

“As a professional player, I respect the decisions of the management and the coach.

“The fans support us and, God-willing, we will make them happy by collecting the three points.”