Al Gharafa coach Andrea Stramaccioni spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 12 match against Al Shamal.

“We know that Al Shamal are coming from the second division, but it is a team that plays well. I think they have signed one of the most prominent Jordanian players (Ali Alwan) in the QNB Stars League.

“Our performance was good against Al Sailiya, and the team showed a good reaction after the Al Arabi match, and we played the way we know it to be. I congratulate the players for their response.

“At the end of first leg, I would like to congratulate the players for their response, because I know that I rely on a certain style of play that requires players to pressurise the opponents, raise the pace of the match and play well. I think we have won some challenges. I would like to point out that I am proud of our line of defence. I congratulate our players who are playing very well, and also we have many young players who have become more important in the team.

“I see that players like Saifelddeen, Abdullah Al Saei, Nasser Al Ahrak and Ahmed Al Janehi have gradually become more important in the Al Gharafa team, which leads us to say that they have become a new generation in Al Gharafa and this is very important for us beside the experienced players who lead the team.

“(Cheick) Diabate was injured at the beginning of Al Sailiya match and asked for a change directly so that there would be no complications for his injury and it would be difficult for him to be in the Al Shamal match. We hope he will play in Week 13.

“As for Muad (Hassan), he returned to the team, but his last match was against Al Wakrah two months ago. Therefore he will not be ready and needs more time to regain his readiness for matches,” said Stramaccioni.

Al Gharafa player Seifeldeen Fadlallah said, “As the coach said, it will be a difficult match because Al Shamal are a good team that seeks to improve its position in the table and we are ready for the match.

“I thank the management and team-mates for helping me get a good break. I urge our fans to support the team in the next stage, especially the young players who need more support.”