Al Gharafa coach Christian Gourcuff spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 4 match against Al Ahli.

“We’re trying to give more opportunities to our young players. They must make their presence felt on the pitch. We’re trying to strike a balance, so they get along well with the seniors.

“The short break after the last game against Al Sadd, where we put up a good show, helped the players recover. Our target is three points against Al Ahli,” said Gourcuff.

Al Gharafa player Wesley Sneijder said of the prospects of playing against Al Ahli’s Nigel de Jong, who was his team-mate at Ajax Amsterdam and the Dutch national team.

“Nigel de Jong and I are very good friends. But then, a game is a game. Of course, we won’t kick each other! I am playing for three points, he is also playing for three points. This is not the first time that we are playing against each other. We have faced off in Italy before. It’s always a special feeling playing against him.”

Sneijder added, “We had a good result from the Al Sadd game and we need three points from this match. We’re improving after every game. I’m happy with the overall level and quality of football in Qatar. I’ll keep giving my 100 per cent.