Doha [Qatar], March 12: The Qatar Stars League will be back in action on Thursday after a brief pause, and Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins said the players and staff are quite reassured after worries due to the recent regional scenario.
The Portuguese coach while speaking to the media on eve of their match against Qatar SC, stressed, "I can say that we will strive to give our best. As I said, we are treating the remaining matches as finals, even though the overall focus and level of enthusiasm have decreased somewhat due to the current situation. But everyone in Qatar is working hard to ensure safety.
"In the last three days, training has been much more regular for the team overall, especially since some players were fatigued after the break. However, from what I've seen physically from some players like Ayoub (Mohammed Al Oui), Fabricio (Diaz), (Ferjani) Sassi, and Rayyan (Ahmed) are in better physical condition than they were 10 or 12 days ago.
"It is an important match like the other recent matches, and we must make an effort to win the match points."
Al Gharafa forward Jamal Hamed thanked authorities for the safety of all in Qatar. "We were all worried about the situation, but thank God we are all safe here in Qatar, and all our families are well. Now, we are thinking about the upcoming match against Qatar SC."
"As professional players, we've arrived for this match in good physical condition. We're preparing to win all three points, and we know the value of every game, as we only have five matches left in the league.
"As everyone knows, we want to win every title, and we will compete to win every championship, but the most important thing now is to take it one game at a time."
Al Gharafa are second in the standings with 34 points and are chasing defending champions Al Sadd (38). Qatar SC are fifth in the table with 24 points. Al Shamal are third (31pts), Al Rayyan fourth (28) while Al Wakrah are seventh (23) and Al Duhail eighth (21pts).
Qatar SC's assistant coach Miguel Andreu said his team faces tough opponents in Al Gharafa but have prepared well. "Our match against Al Gharafa will be difficult, especially since they have been performing well. However, we have prepared appropriately over the past few days and we are ready and hope to win and secure the three points.
"We have reached a crucial stage in the league, and every match during this period is of great value to us. Therefore, we strive to deliver strong performances and achieve the results we aspire to. We must be at our peak concentration because our goal is to continue climbing the league table."
Qatar SC player Sebastian Soria said, "After a week's break, this match seems very difficult, but the most important thing is that everyone is safe and sound, and we are ready for the match with the ambition to win and take all three points.
"We have reached an important stage in the league, and we must give our best, and we hope to succeed in that."
In other simultaneous kick-off games, Al Shamal will meet Al Wakrah while Al Sailiya face Al Duhail.
Al Shamal coach David Prats said, "We are expecting a tough match against a strong team which. In my opinion they are one of the best teams in the league. They have top-level players with excellent abilities and are guided by competent coaching staff.
"We have trained hard over the past period and are ready for the match, which we know will not be easy, like all league matches," Prats added.
Al Shamal goalkeeper Babacar Seck said, "It will be a tough match given the strength of our opponents and their desire to win, but we also aspire to win and secure the three points to continue our successful run this season.
"I hope that the team will be at their best against Al Wakrah and achieve our desired goal of winning."
Al Duhail's coach Djamel Belmadi hoped for his side to go past Al Sailiya.
"Of course, the match against Al Sailiya is crucial for us and we need the three points to climb the standings. We know very well that the match will not be easy given the circumstances our opponents are facing in their fight against relegation, and they are also determined to win.
"Our position in the standings also makes a victory essential for us. We will continue to work hard in training to give our best and we will strive to secure the three points," said Belmadi.
Doha Bank Stars LeagueFixtures Week 18
(All kick-offs 9:30pm)
Thursday: Al Sailiya vs Al Duhail at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium; Al Wakrah vs Al Shamal at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium; Qatar SC vs Al Gharafa at Al Thumama Stadium
Friday: Al Ahli vs Al Arabi at Al Thumama Stadium; Al Rayyan vs Al Shahania at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium; Al Sadd vs Umm Salal at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium..
Source: Qatar Tribune
