Winless Muaither take on Al Gharafa on Saturday evening, with the newly promoted side desperate to register their first points of the season. Head coach Phillipe Birol gave his throughts to the media in the pre match press conference.

“We have used the international break well and had two friendly games we have maintained our fitness well” noted the Muaither head coach.

Muaiter have yet to score a goal this term, however head coach Phillipe Birol has identified the backline as a source of improvement this time out.“Al Gharafa is strong offensively; they have scored six goals in two games so they have quality.  We must been good in defense in this game this is the key of the match.”

“We must have concentration in all areas of the pitch. If we worked well together we can get a result from this match” stressed the French coach at the Thursday morning pre match press conference.

Muaither picked up former Al Gharafa attacker Alain Dioko on transfer deadline day, a deal which pleased the Stallions head coach; “Dioko good news for the club as he is a big player in this league. Our strikers can learn from him, but now I hope that we can create more goal scoring situations.”


 
Al Gharafa also head into the tie on a similar two game losing streak in the QSL, head coach Pedro Caixinia believes his side are chomping at the bit to play QSL football. “Normally when one team loses one game they want to go out and play again the international break was long, because we were eager to get back on the pitch and prove our worth.”

Last time out Al Gharafa narrowly lost 5-4 to Lekhwiya, but Caixinia drew plenty of positives from the defeat. “We played the best time in Qatar in Lekhwiya; we showed our passion, desire and quality against this side. We showed our potential, but we need to show this for longer periods on the game.”

With both teams without any points the Portugeese tactitian expects a tough test for his side. “This game will be a different situation, we will show respect to Muaither. They will set up defensively and look to take us on the counter attacker. We have prepared for this during the international break.”

Ending the press conference Caixinia has some warm words for former player Alain Dioko. “Dioko will have a motivation to play against us. He is a fantastic professional; I wish him the best he can score against us as long as Gharafa win!”