Al Gharafa coach Slavisa Jokanovic spoke to the media ahead of their 2020-21 season QNB Stars League Week 4 match against Al Kharaitiyat.

“We had an opportunity to watch Al Kharaitiyat in the three matches they played in the Ooredoo Cup. They are an organised team and will pose a danger to us if we are not focused during the match. We expect that they will launch some surprise attacks. Our team is very good in terms of possession and ball control, but possession will not help us if we cannot finish the attacks in a good way.

“In general, it is an important match like all the matches we play in the league. What is required is to focus from its start to the last second and work towards achieving victory.

“Some of our players have recovered from injuries, such as goalkeeper Yousef Hassan after a long layoff. He last played around 17 months ago and he has not trained with me during my time here. I expect him to work hard while waiting for the opportunity to participate. Same is the case with Amro Seraj, who was an important player in the team last season. We expect him also to help us in the future,” said Jokanovic.

Al Gharafa player Jonathan Kodjia said, “Our preparations progressed well and we worked hard during the days leading up to this match after our last game in the Ooredoo Cup. Therefore, we are mentally and physically ready, and have the desire to win because we look forward to continue on the winning path, having beaten Al Arabi in our last league match. The important thing for us is to get the three points.”