Al Gharafa players celebrate after scoring a goal during their QNB Stars League match in this file photo.
Al Gharafa after a string of draws in the QNB Stars League (QSL) are looking to remain focussed while aiming to register more wins in the remainder of the season.
Al Gharafa, coach Jean Fernandez said his team are eager to garner some points as they are lying ninth in the standings with only seven points.
“It’s going to be a difficult game for us. Not much differentiates the teams in the standings. It’s a game between ninth and 10th-placed sides which are struggling as the first phase is nearing its end,” Fernandez said on the eve of the match against Al Arabi.
Al Gharafa had put up a strong fight against Al Duhail despite going down 2-3 in the last round match.
“We both are almost at the same level. We’ll try to get three points. We’ve prepared well especially after our last game against Al Rayyan. We played well, but lost narrowly. That has happened many times” the Frenchman added.
“When you perform well and you lose, that makes it difficult to stay motivated. When we analysed our game, we’ve found out that some small details have to be attended to. Our defence has to be strong. We conceded two goals in our last two games. That makes it difficult when you’re looking for a victory. “We need more wins. Winning is more important. We’ve drawn many matches from winning positions. Ours is the side that has the most number of draws (four) in the league. We must change that. Against Al Rayyan, we aren’t under pressure,” said Fernandez.
Al Arabi coach Luka Bonacic lamented he lacked quality players and had a few injury concerns.
“Our main problem is the lack of quality of some players. I’ve found quality in only six or seven players. Then, injuries and suspensions also played their parts.,” Bonacic said.
“When you’ve only 16 players and five or six of them are injured, what can you do? It is not easy to change players. sometimes, I’m confused as to what to do? If you put a bad driver in a good car and vice-versa, things won’t move smoothly.
“And some players are not showing fighting spirit, while some others are inexperienced. That’s why I’m forced to include players from youth sides in the squad. I’m not a magician to change things overnight.
“For example, Khalfan Ibrahim didn’t play the last two matches. He’s back now, but he’s not 100 per cent fit. Then, we’ll miss Hamad Ismail for the game against Al Gharafa due to suspension.
And Syrian professional player Mardik Mardikian is out for one month with a thigh injury.
“We watched Al Gharafa against Al Rayyan. They’re a strong team with good players in all departments,” said Bonacic.
