Al Gharafa coach Andrea Stramaccioni spoke to the media ahead of their 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Al Shamal.

“The first match will be difficult for both teams. It is an important match for both teams because it comes at the beginning of our collective journeys in the new season. We respect all teams and players. I know my team will work with all strength and determination to achieve the best possible result, a result that could give us a strong moral boost for future matches.

“I am satisfied with our preparation in the pre-season training sessions. Everyone has made a great effort over the past few weeks. It is good to be surrounded by people who have the desire to give their best and strive to develop consistently. I am not talking here about players alone but everyone in the backroom staff and management who contributed in the pre-season training.

“I say I am satisfied despite the absence of the team’s full player roster as of now. Some Qatari players – who were with the national team – could not be part of the complete training sessions. But their absence is not a concern for me. We are not afraid of the first match despite the fact that it will be a difficult clash,” said Stramaccioni.

Al Gharafa player Othman Al Yahri said, “Let’s all remember that the game of football does not know a big team or a small team. We respect all the league teams. We are well aware that the match with Al Shamal will be difficult because they have very good players.

“We are aware of the importance of this match. Our preparations are going on well and our focus is on this match. If we succeed in getting out of it with a positive result and achieving our first victory, that will be a great motivation for us in the upcoming matches,” said Othman.