Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 11 match against Al Rayyan.

“We represent Al Gharafa club, therefore our players must be strong and we must continue to work. Yes, we made many mistakes in the last match and I understand that some young players lack sufficient maturity to deal with this type of match. But we are required to be more mentally and physically strong because if we strive for the best, we have to improve our level more. So Tuesday’s game will be one of the most important games of the season and I hope all players understand that.

“About the decline in the team’s ranking from fourth to sixth place and what is possible in the event of a loss to Al Rayyan, I wish to say that I do not build my work on assumptions. We look at the present and future. What happened in the past has happened and we cannot change it, and we have to find our way and fight during the next match.

“Al Rayyan have improved a lot compared to the first seven matches. Their attack is characterized by speed and they have experienced players in the middle. We know that Al Rayyan are a team of great value and their position in the standings does not reflect their true self,” said Martins.

Al Gharafa forward Ahmed Alaaeldin said, “I am ready, thank God, and the whole team is also ready for the match. Morale is high and we have a strong desire to compensate and make our fans and ourselves happy. I am not for predicting the result.

“It will be an offensive match and the teams aspire to win for their fans too.

“The difference between us and fourth place in the table is only one point and the positive results are what will bring us back to the top four.”