Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 20 match against Umm Salal.

“Normal preparations and everyone was working with high concentration during training, especially since everyone has great ambitions to achieve many things for Al Gharafa.

“The Umm Salal team has good players, especially in the frontline. I know many of them because they previously played in the Portuguese League. I would say to my players to be patient and fully focused, especially at that stage of the competition. What the players will offer is what will determine their fate in the league. We need everyone to be ready for this type of match, hoping not to feel any kind of regret at the end of the season. We have to pay attention as a difficult match awaits us.

“Homam Al Ameen will continue to be absent due to injury, in addition to the absence of Abdullah Al Khatam and Seifeldeen Hassan due to his Olympic duty. Uruguayan midfielder Fabricio Diaz will also be absent due to suspension for receiving four yellow cards, while the rest of the players will be ready for the match,” said Martins.

Al Gharafa player Seydou Sano said, “Preparations began after the Al Arabi match. We need high concentration from the players with the aim of victory. The match with Umm Salal is not going to be easy, especially since they have a good team.

“We realize that the competitor is coming from a loss and is seeking compensation and we must do our best.”