Al Gharafa are set to take on Al Ahli in the first match of the QNB Stars League season, which is set to kick-off on Friday evening at Gharafa stadium. Ahead of the big match, new Gharafa coach Jean Fernandez revealed his thoughts to the local media ahead of the game. 

Opening up the press conference the former Al Khor coach was confident his side are prepared for the game. “We have played plenty of games this preseason, and have trained well. It is now down to the players to show what we have worked on and I hope we can have a strong opening game.” 

Al Gharafa have signed a number of players in the summer, and coach Fernandez also called for patience with the side in the first few games of the season. “I feel that we can have a special team at Al Gharafa with the players that we have. Now I feel that we need some time to get used to the season, and after a few games we can see if we are capable of challenging at the top of the table.” 

Whilst summer signing Luis Jiminez talked up the potential of the young players in the Cheetah’s ranks. “From what I have seen in preseason we have a young team with plenty of individual talent. Now we need to come together and show what we can do this season. I have every confidence that Al Gharafa can do well this season.”

As for Al Ahli, they also have a new coach in the form of vastly experienced coach Joaquín Caparrós who will be managing in the GCC for the first ever time. The Spaniard is raring to go for his new side and spoke to the local media prior to his debut in the QNB Stars League. 

“I am glad to be working in the QNB Stars League with Al Ahli, Qatar has had many great Spanish players in the past, and I hope we can win trophies at this great club” noted Caparrós in his first press conference with the club. 

The vastly experienced coach Caparrós mirrored his opponent on Friday evening, insisting that fans have to be patient with Al Ahli. “I personally take each game as it comes. On Friday we have a real challenge against a tough Al Gharafa side, but I have real faith that my players can preform and come away with a positive result.” 

Al Ahli defender John Benson concluded the press conference with a rallying call for his side; “We all know how good Al Gharafa are in Qatar. This is an ideal match to show what we can do, and we are fully ready for the match.”