Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins spoke to the media ahead of their 2025-2026 season Doha Bank Stars League Week 1 match against Umm Salal.

“In our pre-season preparations, the technical level was very positive and good, and that the team has great aspirations and is ready to face Umm Salal.

“Given the increasing number of foreign professional players, I believe the competition will be interesting and will require greater effort from the coaches.

“We have great ambitions to perform better than we did last season, and that is our main goal. We have to win another title, so we are required to fight for the league title, and that is our primary goal,” said Martins.

Al Gharafa striker Ahmed Al Janahi said, “We are ready and excited to face Umm Salal and win our first three points. The match is difficult given Umm Salal’s strength as a tough team.”