Al Gharafa head coach Pedro Caixinha believes his side is well equipped to beat Al Arabi in the QSL match of the week for round 17.

“We have invested in our squad and have three brand new players in the side, I think they can make a big difference for us in the second half of the season.” Said Caixinha at his team’s pre-match press conference on Thursday morning.

“We have to forget what now happened in the recent past with Gharafa now, we are on a new path now and have good players to help us push up the table” claimed the Portuguese coach  who has overseen two wins in his first two games with the Cheetahs.

Talking about his opponents in their next match Caixinha concluded; “The difference between the two sides is only a couple of places. I think that we have had good performances in recent weeks I think we have a good chance to get the win.”


 
Al Arabi coach Gianfranco Zola has insisted that his side is in good form despite the recent draw with relegation threatened Qatar SC. “I am disappointed with the result last week, however my team is now ready for this match. I will be happy if our side can get a draw against a good side like Al Gharafa.”

“Al Gharafa has brought in some new players, but we have also made changes which will fit in with our play also. Our aim is to be in the top four, we will give our all for this goal in the second half of the season.” The Italian coach noted.

Zola also called for time for his team and tactics to settle. “It takes time to bring in new tactics and a style to a side. I think the squad has adapted well so far, but we need to continue in the right spirit in the second half of the season.”

The Arabi coach concluded the press conference by saying; “We are confident against any team we play against, and we will be the same against Al Gharafa.”