Al Gharafa coach Christian Gourcuff spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 5 game against Umm Salal.
“The game against Umm Salal is of great importance. We are trying not to disturb our team composition. The absence of international players as well as injuries to some affected our preparations, but they went off well.
“We played a match in the QSL Cup too. Those who did duty for their countries have reached back and we are trying to field the best eleven against Umm Salal. We are keen to maintain our momentum and keep achieving good results.
“In a way, international commitments are helping us. Abdelaziz Hatem and goalkeeper Yousef Hassan were regulars and played full-time in Qatar’s friendlies against China and Palestine, which Al Annabi won. Wesley Sneijder played his farewell game against Peru and Vladimir Weiss also showed a remarkable level while spending one hour on the pitch for his country Slovakia.
“Since the beginning of the season, they had different results. For example, Umm Salal beat Al Ahli 4-1, then lost to Al Arabi 1-5. They received two goals in quick succession in that match.
“They are more enthusiastic even though such negative results at the beginning of the league have put them in a difficult situation. They will be hungry to react. Matches between Al Gharafa and Umm Salal always create sparks. Both teams’ coaches are Frenchmen. You can expect a tough match,” said Gourcuff.
Source: qsl.qa