Al Gharafa assistant coach Saoud Sabah spoke to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 7 match against Al Markhiya.

“After the Umm Salal match, the players underwent the recovery phase and then we started our daily training in preparation for the Al Markhiya match. We were keen to correct some errors that appeared in the Umm Salal game and, thank God, we are ready for the next match.

“Our team is full of young players and is going through a good phase to find the right combination. Perhaps, that is why we could not win in our last two matches. We played good games.

“Al Markhiya are one of the good teams and they offer high levels. There is no big difference between the clubs and each team is able to beat the other. But we are thinking about ourselves, we respect Al Markhiya and, God willing, we will present a better level in the next match,” said Saoud Sabah.

Al Gharafa player Ahmed Al Janehi said, “After the Umm Salal match, it was natural for the players to suffer a dent in their morale because we deserved to win and played in a difficult atmosphere.

On to Al Markhiya, they are a team that offers excellent performances and we are ready for the match and win the three points. We are confident in ourselves and, God willing, we will put up a strong show.

“I was not satisfied with my performance. I played in a different position in the first three games despite the fact that I am ready to play in any position according to the coach’s instructions. That was not my primary position. God willing, I will present the levels required of me.”