Al Gharafa coach Andrea Stramaccioni spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 3 match against Al Duhail.

“We have full respect for the challenge we are facing in Al Duhail. This match will be an important test for my team, especially since ours is the youngest team and includes the largest number of players coming from the academy. We need such matches to develop and gain more maturity to know the margin of progress in player development.

“Al Gharafa squad includes six attacking players and we will try to control the course of the game and present good football. All of this, of course, depends on the opponents. I think that Al Gharafa - in the previous two matches - tried to play in the same attacking way. I can say that I am happy with the results and happy with the way the players have responded to the new style of play.

“Al Gharafa are an old club with many achievements. I know this team will play with its head held high and with a positive thinking. This type of match is what I want to use to evaluate my team, regardless of the outcome.

“I am happy with what the two strikers (Ahmed Alaaeldin and Ahmed Al Janehi) are offering to the team as attacking options. I noticed that they were tired in the last match. I had no options on the bench. But (in future) we need a third striker because we play with two strikers. It is very important to have strikers alongside the two youngsters, Mohammed Ismail and Yousef Saeed,” said Stramaccioni.

Al Gharafa player Jassem Fahd Al Zaraa said, “Our preparations have been normal, like any match. We have to abide by the coach’s instructions and our goal is to win the three points especially after winning against Al Shamal and Al Ahli.

“We have to continue at the same level and aim for strong performances. For the recent positive results, I want to thank the administration for their support of the young players and for giving them the opportunity to play in the first team. All young players promise the fans that they will make every effort to help Al Gharafa return to their glory days.”