Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 14 match against Al Ahli.

“Certainly, after several weeks of rest and without playing any official matches (due to the AFC Asian Cup break), it is not easy, but we are ready. The team is working well and in the same way but we have some problems. There are injury worries but overall the team is in very good condition. The players will perform well and it will be a good new beginning.

“I always say that there are no easy matches and Al Ahli have improved a lot under coach Pedro Miguel, and I know him well. In general, Al Ahli have a good team and have good players in attack with good offensive capabilities, especially in switching from defence to attack. On our part, our preparations were in the training units. We have had good preparation for the match and everyone knows what to do without giving away our style of play.

“Homam Al Ameen will miss the match due to injury while playing for the national team, as well as South Korean defender Jang Hyun-Soo, in addition to the absence of Ahmed Al Janehi due to suspension,” said Martins.

Al Gharafa goalkeeper Khalifa Abubakr said, “We are ready for the Al Ahli match and for the season in general although the break has been long, our preparations have been good. We will miss some players but the other players are ready for the match. Al Ahli are a good team and we respect them a lot but we are required to focus on our performance to maintain the same level at which we were at before the break.

“They are an experienced side and are a very organized team which relies a lot on counterattacks. But we shall be ready to win the three points in order to continue our journey.”