Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 8 match against Al Gharafa.

“We have had good preparation for our match against Al Gharafa. The technical staff had enough time to prepare the team for this match. We are well aware that we will face a strong team. Al Gharafa have one of the strongest line-ups of players in the league, but at the same time, I assure our fans that we have strong defenders. Al Wakrah’s line of defence is the best.

“Al Wakrah are presenting strong levels so far in the league and the truth is that we deserved more points than what we got in the past seven rounds. I think we are in a good position and the general level of players has been good.

“When we look at our defence and attackers in general, I am satisfied with the levels that the team is providing in the matches. We are working hard all the time to maintain this good level,” said Marquez.

Al Wakrah player Hazem Shehata said, “The Al Gharafa team is strong. They always compete for the top places in the points table. Al Wakrah are required to make every possible effort to overcome this obstacle.

“Al Gharafa are coming from a big victory over Al Khor and my team is coming from a negative tie against Qatar SC. So, we will strive to return to winning ways. I feel the match will be difficult for both teams.

“Al Wakrah have been playing strong matches since the beginning of the league, and although we lost many points in some matches, the level in general is reassuring for everyone.

“Despite the brilliance of Angolan (Gelson) Dala in the recent period with Al Wakrah and his positive impact with the team, I am confident that we will not be affected by his absence because the technical staff has been working since the beginning of the season to make the substitutes with the same strength as the players in the playing XI.”