Al Gharafa take on Al Arabi on Saturday knowing that a victory can significantly boost their chances of a top four finish this season. Head coach Pedro Caixinia gave his thoughts to the media ahead of the clash

Opening up the press conference, Caixinia reaffirmed that his side are in high spirits going into the game; "The team is improving in the last four games, after the international break we have worked hard. We need to take advantage of the good form that we are in at the moment."

"Our players are enjoying their football, and now our focus is get two wins in a row, to keep growing as a team so we can collect more points and reach the top four places in the league” explained the Portuguese tactician when asked from his aims from the game. 

Focusing on the opponent Al Arabi, Caixinia revealed. "We have looked at the Arabi and their set-up over the season, especially the relationships between the players. However we are more focused on our way of playing.”

Ending the press  conference Caixina revealed that Mahdi Ali will be unavailable for selection, after being injured on international duty.

As for Al Arabi, they head into the tie against Al Gharafa with their third coach of the season. New coach Edison Aguirre gave his thoughts to the local media. 

Opening up the press conference Aguirre stressed the support he has received, in the first few days in charge of The Dream Team; “Last week was positive, and good for preparation. We had lots of support from the players, administration and fans.”

Aguirre also revealed his previous managerial credentials  and how he got the Arabi job."I was previously a technical director for youth development at Al Arabi. I was  also previously assistant coach at Al Rayyan under Paulo Autuori, and i have been asked by the management to support the team in this moment."

The Brazilian head coach also vowed to get the Dream Team up the QSL standings; "Al Arabi are a big club, and we are in not a good position at the moment. Now we must go ahead as a team and push forward. Our next games our a big challenge against Al Gharafa and Al Sadd."

Talking about the squad he has inherited, Aguirre stressed that his side has plenty of quality. "The team is a little bit fragmented, we have quality individuals and we need to make some small changes to the way we play."

Ending the conference, Aguirre noted that he is confident he can change the fortunes of the side; "The comparison between the other coaches and myself doesn’t work. Al Arabi has a real unity, and I am a positive person, I belive Al Arabi can turn this around."