Al Gharafa coach Slavisa Jokanovic spoke to the media ahead of their 2020-21 season QNB Stars League Week 2 match against Al Rayyan.

“We are trying to make the team ready to be in good shape through training. There is not much difference between our team and Al Rayyan. We know the importance of this match for both teams.

“It is good that we scored full points against Qatar SC, but we must continue to progress and be ready to do what is necessary.

“Al Rayyan finished in the second place last season, one point behind Al Duhail. They are a team with good players. I am sure everyone who follows football in Qatar knows Al Rayyan well and we also know them well.

“However, our focus will be on what we see as a source of danger for us and we will also work to take advantage of their weaknesses. For us it was important to start the season by winning over Qatar SC and collecting the three points, but that match has become a thing of the past and we must now focus on the next fixture against Al Rayyan,” said Jokanovic.

“Al Gharafa player Adlene Guedioura said, “What was important for us at the start of the new season was to present our best in the first three league matches, which are played in a space of 10 or 11 days.

“Having beaten Qatar SC, we will now play our second match against Al Rayyan and we know that it will be a big match. Al Rayyan are a good team having outstanding players, such as my fellow-Algerian Yacine Brahimi. They are solid in defence as well.”