Bulent Uygen has admitted that his sides clash with Al Gharafa will be a stern test of Umm Salal’s top 4 credentials.

“The game will be very difficult, and we will play against a good team is Gharafa who have been in good form recently.”

“We will have to deliver a good performance if we will be able to get a key result.” The Turkish tactitian admitted at his side’s pre match press conference on Thursday morning.

Uygen also added; “Gharafa are a good team, and have adapted after a bad start to the season season they are now they are in a good position,  this test will prove our top four credentials and we will need to be on top form.”

Uygen also noted that his side will be without a number of key players for the Gharafa match, including Yannick Sagbo, Abdelkader Elias and potentially Ismail Mahmoud who will face a late fitness test.

He concluded his press conference saying; “There are about eight teams who are competing for the 4^th position in the table. It Is a tight race at the moment and the side who has the best form will win it is our goal to get this for Umm Salal.”


 
Al Gharafa’s assistant coach Helder Batista has called for his side not to be complacent ahead of their top 4 battle against Umm Salal.

“We have to show our footballing identity and d we will play to win, against a strong opponent.” He claimed at his side’s pre-match press conference on Thursday morning.

“We have spoken about concentration this week with the players, we have often conceded over simple mistakes and we need to change this if we will be able to get the three points.”

Batista also noted that Umm Salal’s absence of key personell could be of advantage for Gharafa. “They will be without two key players for this match, we have a full strength for this tie which can aid us.”

Batista concluded his conference with a word on Gharafa keeper Qasem Burhan;  “He has some mixed games recently, but as a coaching team it is our aim to restore his confidence in the next few games.”