Al Gharafa will be aiming to get back to winning ways, following their 2-2 draw with bottom of the table Muaither last time out. They take on another relegation threatened side this week in Al Shahania on Saturday evening. Cheetahs head coach Pedro Caixinia spoke to the media ahead of the game. 

Caixina was quick to note that despite internal problems in the club, his side where only aiming for three points against Al Shahania “We need to win our next game against Al Shahania, despite the tough week that we have had, our primary focus is a victory for Al Gharafa.”

After a strong start in the league Al Gharafa’s progress has slowed in recent weeks, drawing with Muaither last time out. Caixinia was eager to stress that his opponents Al Shahania will take on Al Gharafa with a different game-plan. “I don’t think that Shahania will play the same way as Muaither, Al Shahania will be aggressive in defence and on the counter attack, they have played well in recent games and we have prepared our side appropriately for this game.”

The Portuguese coach ended his press conference noting that his side will be without strikers Krisztián Németh though injury and Mohammed Razak though suspension. 

Al Shahania have two draws from their last two QSL games, and will be targeting to continue their undefeated streak against fifth placed Al Gharafa. Newly appointed Shahania boss Igor Štimac spoke to the local media ahead of the game. 

Opening up the press conference Štimac stressed that his side is moving in the right way in achieving their goal of survival in the QSL. “We are expecting a difficult game, I am fully concentrated on my job on the pitch and my focus is on how how I can get points from this game for Al Shahania. Looking at the statistics in recent weeks, the numbers are going up which is good for me, it’s only a matter of time that the work we put in training will transfer into a win on the pitch.” 

“I feel that looking at focusing on the play of opponent takes away from crucial time on the training pitch, improving my players. I am just aiming to put the work in on the pitch and make sure my side plays the effective football I want to play” added the Croatian tactician when asked on what he is focusing on when taking Al Gharafa. 

Štimac ended the press conference  responding to rumours that two key players in goalkeeper Khalifah Al-Ammari and striker Fahad Khalfan could be moving to a new club in the January transfer window. “If players are unhappy it is their choice, personally I will be sad if Khalfan leaves the club because I believe he has great potential and I would like to work with him to improve his game. At the end of the day, it is down to them as a professional choice.”