Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins spoke to the media ahead of their 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League Week 7 match against Umm Salal.

“We spent about three weeks in the break, it was important for some players to play competitive matches and it was also an opportunity to watch some players from the Olympic and youth teams to include them in the future with the first team because many players were with the national teams. It was good to recover some injured players such as Aron and Muntari, and there are some players who will arrive a day before the match.

“We know Umm Salal well, they maintain the same approach and mentality, a very good team, and they are having a great season, and we know the difficulties we will face, it is an important match for us. I am sure that everyone will be ready and they understand the difficulties that Umm Salal will put against us, especially since they play in a good and organized defensive manner. They also have players who have speed in attack, so we have to be alert and well-prepared to deal with counterattacks.

“Korean player Jang is still undergoing treatment, as is Assim Madibo, and as for Muntari, we will see how ready he is to participate in the match. As for Aron, as you know, he cannot play in the league and will be ready to participate in the AFC Champions League Elite in the next round,” said Martins.

Al Gharafa goalkeeper Khalifa Abubackar said, “We know our goal and how to deal with things despite some injuries. The players will do a good job in order to win the three points. The match will not be easy against a team capable of creating many problems, but we will try to start very well and we will fight to win.

“I thank our fans for their constant presence. We will do our best for them.”