Al Gharafa coach Bulent Uygun spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 13 match against Umm Salal.

“My start with Al Gharafa was good and I am happy about the victory that we achieved after being in deficit. We hope to continue good performances in the second phase of QNB Stars League and make up for the lost points in the first half. This game is no different and we will play for victory.

“I have good memories of Umm Salal whom I coached for three seasons. But I am a professional and I have to face my former teams. They play almost in the same system which I formed three years ago. I know most of the players in their squad.

“I expect my players to perform their duties at the top level. We are optimistic that we can finish among the top four if we play to our plan. Dutch star (Wesley) Sneijder is not fully fit and I hope he regains complete fitness well in time for our AFC Champions League play-off with Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor on January 30. I will soon have a better idea of the young players in our squad,” said Bulent.