Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 19 match against Al Arabi.

“There were eight players with the national teams during the last period, but during the two training sessions before the match, the ranks were complete, and on the other hand the rest of the players were working hard over the past period to prepare to face Al Arabi. We will continue to work with the same seriousness and effort because we know that focus and work are very important in order to prepare for this match.

“Al Arabi have a wonderful team and is one of the best teams in the league, and their current position in the rankings does not reflect the true value of this team because they already have distinguished players on the individual level and on the team performance level under the leadership of a very good coach.

“They performed at a distinguished level last season, and I believe that their level is better this season, and we must deal with this match as we should, and I am sure that we will be ready for this game against a team that has all the capabilities,” said Martins.

Al Gharafa player Lyanco said, “Al Arabi have technical capabilities with the good players they possess. Therefore, we must fully focus on that match and on the technical performance and physical effort that the players will provide.

“We are ready for this game and the team enters it with the aim of obtaining the three points. It will be a good match between the two teams and on a personal level, I like this type of match that includes good players.

“The support of fans and that their presence is of great importance to the players.”