Al Gharafa head into their match of the week against Al Rayyan on a five game unbeaten streak in the league. Head coach Pedro Caixinia offered his thoughts to the local media ahead of the Saturday evening game. 

Opening up the press conference Caixinia stressed that his side are focusing on all games in the next few weeks. “For us it’s a  nice game everyone like to play in against Al Rayyan.  However one big game does not make a season, we need to think about the other matches in the league.”

The Portuguese tactician also noted that his sides run of form could lead to a win against a so far undefeated Al Rayyan team; “Our main focus has been on our competitiveness. We are living in a good moment, and looking to extend that moment. However in terms of the focus of just this big game we are targeting a positive result.”

Ending the press conference, Caixinia underlined that the busy period will define the QSL season. “It’s going to be different with so many games coming up. So the focus will be on recovery, recuperation and then to get ready for the match in stages. With so many games it will shape the league for the rest of the season.”

Al Rayyan head into the QSL match of the week against Al Gharafa after a narrow 1-0 over Muaither, the reigning QSL champions are currently in fourth place in the standings. Head coach Michael Laudrup gave his throughts on the game to the local media on Thursday afternoon. 

Stating the press conference, Laudrup was eager to stress that it’s an important week ahead for his Al Rayyan side; “The next match is always the most important. It’s a important week as all teams will play three times in short succession. This week will be important for us one week and nine points are on the line.”

“Al Gharafa have really improved and are now in fifth place, and i am expecting a tough game. When Gharafa play against the big teams this season like Al Sadd and Lekhwiya there are plenty of goals and i am expecting more of the same in this game” noted the Danish coach when asked about the form of his opponents. 

Laudrup also had some warm words for former player Vladimir Weiss, who now plays for Al Gharafa. “I know him well, he’s a great player one and against one and has plenty of speed. He has represented his country at the recent European championships, that underlines his qualities. That said, I hope he won’t have one of his best games on Saturday!”

Ending the press conference, Laudrup stressed that their is a long way to play in the quest for the QSL falcon shield. “We just have to take our games step by step, at this moment Jaish are strong. We are two points behind Lekhwiya and Al Sadd so that is the first aim, but the season is long let’s see how we are in March and April, so far we are the only side to have taken points off El Jaish not it is up to the rest of the league to step up.