Qatar SC coach Abdulla Mubarak spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Al Gharafa.

“The preparatory period was very short. One month was not enough for the players to gear up for the season. However, we could make an elaborate plan for the tournament.

“We made the best use of our time. We played six friendly games and tried out three different combinations. All players were seen in action and I am so happy that they adapted well.

“We have tried to strike the right balance in our squad. We are up against a strong team (Al Gharafa) in the first match. But it is better to face Al Gharafa than facing Al Duhail at the very start of the season.

“Al Gharafa had put up a strong performance against CS Sfaxien (Tunisian club) at the Salalah tournament in Oman recently. But we are confident. We have set our targets and everyone in the club will be responsible to achieve them.

“My ambition is to put Qatar SC in the top rung of the QNB Stars League. To be among the top four is a difficult target to achieve. For that, we must double our efforts,” said Abdulla.