Al Gharafa coach Andrea Stramaccioni spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 10 match against Al Arabi.

‘The break was very long and at the same time it was an opportunity for a number of young players to compete in the Ooredoo Cup, and an opportunity to take advantage of the break through matches, to show assess some players how much they have developed. You know the importance of young players in Al Gharafa.

“As for facing Al Arabi, it is an important match because the opponents started well this season and they are doing a distinguished job and we know that the match will be difficult. We have to regain focus quickly and play as we finished before the break.

“(Cheick) Diabate signed with the club at the beginning for only five months and he performed well during this period, scoring 11 goals in 11 games. But in addition to scoring, he was working for the team and was in good harmony with the rest of the players,” said Stramaccioni.

Al Gharafa goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al Ali said, “Certainly a difficult match and not easy, especially since Al Arabi are coming from a series of great victories and the difference between us and them is four points and we seek to reduce the difference to one point/ We are all ready for the match to the fullest, especially after the return of some players.

“The team is well prepared and everyone is keen to reach the farthest point in the league, and on a personal level for me in goalkeeper of Al Gharafa, the competition between me and the club’s other keepers, especially Youssef Hassan, helps to develop.”