Doha, January 28 (QNA) – Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins underlined importance of achieving the three points against Al Sailiya on Sunday in Week 12 of the QNB Stars League.
Speaking to the media ahead of their 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League Week 12 match against Al Sailiya, Martins said, “In our last round against Al Rayyan, we lost two points which we deserved more than Al Rayyan because in that match we created many goal-scoring opportunities. We have to be more effective when we have such opportunities. Although we controlled the game, we couldn’t gain the three points which were very important to us.
“Al Sailiya are a good team and although they are not in a good position at the moment, they have often caused problems for Al Gharafa. We therefore are aware that it will be a difficult match, especially since they have three physically strong players in front. We have to be at our best because they will try to engage our team in a physical challenge and we need to have an appropriate strategy. We will be ready for Sunday’s meeting.
“Everyone knows that we are going through a not-so-good period. We have some players returning from injury and others are back from the national team. Against Al Rayyan, we suffered from those circumstances but I see that the team is making a great effort and this is something very important to us. We have to build on what we did, especially at the mental level in the second half. We certainly know the importance of the Al Sailiya match,” said Martins.
Meanwhile, Al Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi said, “It is no secret that we are in a difficult situation. We have spoken to our players following the Al Wakrah match (which Al Sailiya lost 5-0). There was a meeting with the club’s Vice-President Mohammed Ali Al Marri and we all are trying to motivate the players, especially on the psychological level.
The players are fully focused and since we have entered a stage we must now stop missing out on the points and be fully prepared. We need to make a strong comeback in the forthcoming match.”
“Al Gharafa are a good team. Normally, we would not fear any team, but in our current situation, especially at the psychological level, we need to avoid mistakes and not lose focus if the rivals score against us. We need to play a strong match and achieve a good result.” (QNA)