Doha: Al Gharafa midfielder and former Australian international Mark Bresciano recently spoke about the prospects of his club this season, how the QSL must place importance on youth development and his time in Qatar.
Excerpts:
Q: You have been with Al Gharafa for three years now, before that you were with Al Nasr in the UAE. How have you seen football develop in the region?
A: Over my time in the region, just over four years now, football has developed significantly. I think that is through bringing more recognised players to the region. The 2022 World Cup is giving the whole region a real buzz and is igniting the interest of many people in Qatar.
Q: Is it true that your contract with Al Gharafa is ending this year? If so, are you thinking of moving back to Australia?
A: Eventually after my football career the plan is to move back to Australia with my family and settle down. I have definitely thought about moving back and playing in Australia but I can’t say it’s the priority at the moment. My family is enjoying the lifestyle in Qatar and I am enjoying my football at the moment. My contract is in its last year with Gharafa but we just have to wait and see what the future holds.
Q: How has the side changed with the return of head coach Marcos Paquetá?
A: Well, I have seen plenty of coaches during my time with Gharafa in the past three years. Every coach brings his own style of football. But that said, I think Paquetá is bringing a more defence-orientated game, which is perhaps at odds with the traditional Brazilian attacking style. Since he has arrived we have become more solid defensively, which has taken us to the position we are in now (sixth place). Since his arrival, the target is to qualify for the Qatar Cup and get into the top four — which is still possible for us, the opportunity is still there.
Q: How do you assess the impact of the new signings in the winter transfer window?
A: I think they have had a major impact already. Claudio Keressu has already been on the score-sheet along with Bolanios, who has had some assists and scored a few goals. Cicero has also come to the side, but from the off-season in Brazil. I don’t think we have seen the best from him yet but the quality is there. It’s hard for these players to settle into the team because of the environment, but they have blended in well with the squad.
Q: Al Gharafa has plenty of young talent at the moment, how do you asses their progress?
A: I think our young players are having a great season. Personally, I think that the youngsters should have an opportunity to play. Clubs should be more focused on developing these young players, I still think there is room for improvement in youth development in the QSL.
I think that with the national team in mind, they need to develop talent and play them from a younger age. At the end of the day if every team in the league has three or four special national talents they want to develop, you are looking at a core of players for the national team. This is what teams should consider and focus on here in Qatar.
Q: Al Gharafa are facing Al Shamal, who have just won their first game of the season, this weekend. Are you worried about their improving form?
A: For me these are the games that you have to have to worry about. For Shamal, they have nothing to lose while we have everything to lose. Playing these games, sometimes a squad underestimates their opponent and perhaps doesn’t prepare correctly. We just have to be focused; we know what we have to do in order to finish in the top four, we have to beat teams like Al Shamal.
Q: Finally, who was your football idol when you were a kid?
A: Growing up in Australia I had a real interest in Serie A. Back then I would have to say Roberto Baggio when he was
playing at Juventus. I would always look out for him. It was hard, because he is so great, but I would try to mold my game in his style. I did end up playing in a similar attacking midfield role to him, so I would say that he did influence me.
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