Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 9 match against Umm Salal.

“In general, the team is working well and everyone is prepared except for Yacine Brahimi, who will be absent due to suspension.

“Umm Salal are doing a good job and what they are offering in the league is very positive with a new coach with new ideas and some experienced players. I know some of them and I think they are better compared to last year and more competitive. As I always say, the league is very difficult and we must be at our best to win against any team.

“The pressure is there because we are professionals in Al Gharafa club  and this is normal because we belong to a big club, and we want to win titles. I know that the Board of Directors and the club president are making every effort to provide all the appropriate conditions. We are committed, but we also know that we are not alone. There are teams like Al Sadd, Al Duhail, Al Rayyan and they are also fighting for that, but we are present and we want to win titles for the club, and that is it. Our desire is there and I see this commitment among the players is the most important, and for us this is not pressure because this type of pressure when you are in front is a wonderful thing because this is the type of pressure that we want in our lives as well,” said Martins.

Al Gharafa player Nasser Al Ahraq said, “We as players are well prepared and ready to implement everything that the coach emphasized during daily training.

“We know that Umm Salal achieved two wins in the last three matches, but we are ready to provide the best according to the coach’s tactics and we will give what we have.”