Al Gharafa coach Andrea Stramaccioni spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 4 match against Al Sadd.

“Al Sadd are the champions of last season, and they remain a great team. The match will certainly be difficult despite their difficulties and it is an opportunity that we must take advantage of well. We promise to give off our best to win.

“I am confident that our two new players will be a strong addition and help to our young players, with their experience.

“The last match in which the two players played was three months ago and their participation in the Al Sadd match depends on their readiness.

“Our preparations were good and the professional players represent great support for us and motivate the young players and I am happy to give them in the matches. On the other hand, Al Sadd also play with some young players and the match will be a great challenge between two generations of young players who are the best,” said Stramaccioni.

Al Gharafa player Yacine Brahimi said, “The match is difficult.. But if we are not ready we have to sit in our homes and not come to the stadium, and Al Sadd are certainly a great team and we respect them  and the match will be strong, but we have to do our best to win not only in that match, but in all the upcoming matches.

“We lost the match against Al Shamal and we lived in a state of sadness for that loss, but it has become a thing of the past and we must always look forward from the Al Sadd match to the last match in the league. We must play all matches with the mentality of winning and regaining confidence.”